
'/^,^S , o^^//A^ , 



HISTOKICAL SKETCHES 



OF THE 



TOWN OF PORTLAND 



COMPRISING ALSO THE 



PIONEER HIST OK Y 



CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, 



WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE 
EAELY SETTLEES. 



BY 



d TAY 



H!d TAYLOR, M. D. 



' In the silent greenwood glade, 
In the dim old forest shade, 

By the gliding river, 
Axe historic voices ringing, 
Music in the soft breeze flinging, 

And they haunt me ever. 
I love them well, for they to me 
Are as some pleasant memory." 



FREDONIA, N. Y. : 

W. McKINSTRY & SON, PRINTERS. 

1873. 






H. C. TAYLOK. 

iu the Oerk's Office of the District Court of the Uuited States for the Northern District 

of New York. 



7 



PREFACE. 



The following pages are. not the result of hasty researcli or 
careless investigation, but for three years have occupied the 
earnest attention of the author during the hours that could be 
spared fi'om the demands of a most laborious profession. The 
comi>ilation was not imdertaken for the want of employment, 
but to rescue from the wasting influence of time the facts and 
incidents connected with the settlement and early liistory of 
the town. It has been a labor of love, and in one sense the 
author regrets the close of the volume. It was not expected 
that more than from two to three hundred pages could be 
written, but such was tjie accirmnlation of material that it 
would have been far easier to have written two volumes than 
condense it within the present limits. It was said by a fiiend 
that he who could write a good town history is fitted to write 
a book on any other subject. However this may be, it \h 
certain he would be capable of almost any amoimt of hard 
labor, and for his patience well deserving a niche close by the 
one occupied by that rigid old moralist, the man of Uz. Amid 
the discoui'agements consequent upon the prosecution of the 
work, it becomes a pleasant 3uty to mention the names of a 
few of the numerous friends whose kind symi)athies and 
intelligent aid have cheered the author in his difficult labors. 
But for them the work might have been abandoned long since. 



VI PREFACE. 

To Hon. E. T. Foote of New Haven, Conn., he is indebted for i 
many suggestions of importance and many facts in regard to \ 
the early history of the county ; to David Eaton, an early 
settler of the town who died the past season, for a large 
amount of local history that it would have been impossible to 
liave reached from any other source ; to Hon. Abner Hazel- ! 
tine of .Tamestovvn, this county, E. B. Taylor, Alfred Eaton, 
J. S. West, and many others of this town, and over two ' 
hundred correspondents in twelve states of the Union- In ; 
addition, a vast number of books, manuscripts and records 
have been consulted and the utmost effort made to render the 
whole truthful and a reliable book of reference. Errors may 
be discovered by careful antiquarians, but it is believed that it 
will be found as free from defects as it is possible for intense 
solicitude and liard labor to make it. It is hoped that none 
by a hasty glance will pronounce this or that statement incor- 
rect, but on the contrary subject them first to serious conside- 
ration or investigation. 

To the good people of Portland, firstly, and to fiiends in 
every locality, this book is dedicated, with the best wishes of 
the author, H. C. TAYLOE. 



CONTENTS. 



Act forming town of Chautauqua . 
Acres in town, assessed and real. . 

Acres in each lot 

Animals — native 

Arkwright, first settlement of . . . 

Academy, Salem . 

Aid furnished soldiers 

Asheries. .■ 

Anti-slavery Society — 

Agricultural products 

Assessors, first .,... 

Ayers, Samuel, Super 

Arnold, Ehsha, Super 

Andrews, Asa, Suiier 

Association, Library . 



B 

Batavia, town of 

Bata via, town of, divided 

Boundaries of Chautauqua county 

Boundaries of Portland, original 

Boundaries of Portland, present 

Busti, first settlement of 

Burgettsto^vn P. office 

Barnes, Calvin, first P. M. in Portland. 

Bird, Col. Nath 

Baptist church, Portland 

" society, when formed 

" ch)irch of W. Portland 

" society of W. Portland 

Battle of Queenstown 

" of Black Kock 

Bounty to the 112th reg't, war of 1861.. 

" " " 154th " "' " " .. 

•' to those re-enlisting, & others. 

Barn, first frame 

Bookbindery 



16 

29 

29 

41 

70 

122 

280 

182 

196 

230 

242 

236 

237 

237 

133 



15 

16 

18 

24 

26 

70 

95 

98 

101 

153 

156 

159 

162 

248 

254 

289 

270 

277 

313 

182 



Blacksmiths, early — 1'2 

Bible Society 195 

Bonding town • • • 220 

BeU, Arthur, Super 235 

Blood, Asa, Sui)er 237 

Brocton Cemetery 300 



County of Genesee erected 15 

(Jhautauqua, original town of 16 

Clerk of first election 17 

Chautauqua county erected 18 

County buildings, site of IB 

County officers, first 19 

Center of town 28 

Climate of town 33 

Cascades 39 

.. 69 

.. 70" 

. 70 

.. 71 

.. 71 



Chautauqua, first settlement of 

Carroll, " " "... 

Charlotte, " " " . . . . 

Cherry Creek, " " ".. 

Clymer, " " " . ... 

Centers of population 78 

Chautauqua postofflce 93 

Canadaway " 94 

Churches 134 

Church, Congregational, formed 134 

" reformed. . . . 136 

" soc'y formed. 136 

" " reformed 138 

Methodist Episcopal 148 

" society formed 150 

" at Brocton 150 

" first ijreacher 162 

Baptist, when formed 153 

" society formed 156 

West Baptist 159 

" " soc'y, when formed 162 



CONTENTS. 



Church, Protestant Methodist 167 

" Freewill Baptist 168 

" Uuiversalist 164 

" Roman Catholic 167 

Community, Harris 169 

Company, first for war of 1812 247 

Cavalry, 9th New York - . 285 

Carding machine .. . 181 

Cheese factory 181 

CidermiUs 181 

Circle, Social 194 

Clerks, town 240 

Commissioners of schools 244 

" of highways 243 

Collectors of taxes 243 

Constables, first 244 

Campbell, T. B., Super 231 

Coney, J. R., Super 237 

Cemetery, first iu county 97 

" Evergreen 299 

" Brocton 300 

" W.&P.Union ... 300 

" North Portland 300 

" Union Lawn sOl 

" On lot 16, T. 5 301 

" Private 301 

Cow, David Joy's 320 

D 

David Eaton, clerk of election IT 

Division of i)oor fund 26 

Description of roads 84 

Dunkirk, settlement of 68 

Dunkirk postoftice 98 

District school, first 112 

Draft of 1S63— war of IStil . 273 

Distilleries 1*'4 

Dwellings in town . . 2 9 

Deed, first executed in town 306 

David Joy's cow 3-20 

K 

Elections at Batavia. 16 

Election, first in Chautauqua .... . 17 

<< " clerk of 17 

Erection of each town in county 21 

EUicott, first settlement of ')9 

EUery, " " " ^9 

EUiugton, " " " "i^ 

Erie road • ■ *>"- 

EUicott road ^'^ 



Express mail 95 

Early Library Association 133 

Early military company Appendix 

Efifect of war of 1861 297 

Empire vineyards 215 

Early newspapers 196 

Election, time of holding first 17 

Elections, special. 234 

Elections, inspectors of 243 

Eaion, David, Super 236 

Eaton, Alfred, Super 239 

Evergreen Cemetery 299 

Extent of grant of King James 51 



First town meeting iu Chautauqua 

" justices api^ointed 

'• formation of Chautauqua connty . 

" county officer.'i 

" town meeting of Portland 

Forest trees ^ . . . 

Fortifications, old 

First settlement of Westfield 

" " " Pomfret 

•' " " Ripley 

" ' " Chautauqua 

" •' " Poland 

" " " EUicott 

" " " EUery 



Families in town 
First postolflce . . . 
First mail contractor 



' Harmony ... . 
■ Arkwright 

• Carroll 

' Kiantone 

' Charlotte 

' Stockton 

' Busti 

' Villenova .... 

' Geri-y 

' Cherry Creek. . 
' French Creek 

• EUiugtou 

' Mina 

' Clymer . . . 
' Sherman. . . 
' Hanover 

' Sheridan 

' Portland 

' Dunkii'k ... 
ul812 



16 
17 
18 
19 
27 
37 
44 
66 
68 
69 
69 
69 
69 



71 
71 
71 
71 
71 
71 
71 
72 

68 

246 

93 

94 



CONTENTS. 



First mail carrier 94 

First P. M. in county 93 

First P. M. in town 98 

Fredonia named 95 

First mail stage 102 

Fellows, Odd 196 

Fay, Nathaniel, Super 237 

Fuller, K. D., Super 238 

Fay, J. B., Super 239 

First deed executed in town 306 

First frame barn 313 

First widow 310 

First frame house 321 

Fund, public school 124 

First school teachers 128 

First church formed 135 

" " names of members 135 

First company— war of 1812 247 

Forty-ninth regiment — war of 1861 264 

Forty-fourth regiment — war of 1861 264 

Fruit growing jj208 

O 

(Jenesee, county of, erected 15 

" " " divided 18 

Geological features of town 34 

Gas springs 35 

Gerry, first settlement of 70 

General training, first Appendix 

Good Templars 194 

Governor, vote for 224 

Goodrich, D. G., Super 238 

Grant of King James.-. 49 

H 

Harbors 36 

Highlands, view from 39 

Harmony, first settlement of 59 

Hanover, " " " 71 

Harris Community 169 

Hatter, first in town 397 

Highways, Commissioners of 243 

Haywood, A., Super 239 

Harris, Ebenezer, Super 237 

Harris, J. E., Super 239 

House, first frame 321 

Holland Company 59 

I 

Inspectors of elections 243 

Inspectors of schools 244 



J 

Justices, first appointed 17 

Justices, elected 240 

Judson, Timothy, Super. 23 7 

K. 

Kiantone, first settlement of 70 

L. 

Land office established . 20 

Location of town of Portland 28 

Lots, acres in each 29 

Lakes in town 32 

Lake shore, view from 40 

Library Association 133 

LaHatt, Rev. Charles 156 

Lake Shore Wine Company. 213 

London Company j 49 

.U 

Miua, first settlement of... ... 71 

Mail routes 93 

May vUle postofflce 96 

Methodist church, classes, &c 148 

" society formed 150 

Military companies, early Appendix 

Men furnished in war of 1861 278 

Masonic order 195 

Meetings, town, where held. 231 

McMahan, John, Super 236 

Marsh, C. A., Super 2.3« 

Moss, T. S., Super .. 239 

MUls, Dunhams 175 

" Sage's 176 

•' Burton's 176 

" Fay's, Hollis 176 

" Ogden's 176 

" Burr's 176 

" Taylor's 176 

" Fay's, Nath _ 176 

" Everts' 176 

" Bacon's 176 

" Dalee's, 1st and 2d 177 

" Goodsell's 177 

" Elliott's - 177 

" Fletcher's 177 

" Coney's 177 

" Jewett's..- 178 

" Bigelow's 178 

" Hall's 178 

" Richardson's... 178 



CONTENTS. 



Pig. 

Mills, Arnold's 178 

" Eobbins', steam 178 

" Jewett's , steam 178 

' Fay & Goodrich, steam 178 

'' Wheeler's, steam 179 

•' Craudall's 179 

" Whitcher's 179 

" Burton's grist 179 

" Coney's grist 179 

•' God<'rey's grist _. 179 

" Vanleuven's . 180 

" Broctou grist _ . 180 

" Center^dUe grist 180 

• Brotherhood 180 

Millwrights 182 

Merchants, first and others 205 

Morris' purchase 56 

N 

Native animals .._ 41 

North Portland postoffice '.'9 

Normal schools 127 

Number of men furnished war of 1801 . 278 
North Portland Cemetery 300 

O 

Original town of Chautauqua 16 

Office, land established 20 

Old fortifications 44 

Old roadways _ 47 

One hundredth regiment — war of 186! . 264 
One hundred and eleventh regiment , 296 

One hundred and twelfth regiment 268 

One hundred and fifty-fourth regiment 270 

Officers, town, first elected 240 

Overseers of poor 245 

Orchards, Dunn's andotherri.. 208 

OddFeUows 195 

H 

Pomfret erected 19 

Portland, south line 25 

' • first town meeting 27 

boundaries of . 28 

" location of 28 

Poor fund divided . 20 

Pomfret, settlement of 68 

Poland ' •■ 69 

Portland " •' 72 

Population, center of 79 

Paine'sroad 81 



p.j. 

Postoffices S3 

Pomfret postoffice 94 

Portland postoffice , 98 

" North, postoffice 99 

Protestant Methodist church 167 

Pioneer schools 106 

" schoolhouses 107 

Present school districts 116 

Public school fund 124 

Preachers, Cong, church . 137 

" Baptist church 156 

" " West church 161 

" Methodist church 151 

" Universalist church 164 

Parsonage, Baptist 167 

Methodist 151 

Potteries 181 

Papers, early, taken. 196 

Political status of town 225 

Presidential vote 225 

Population of town 229 

Population, sex. places of birth, &c 229 

Products, agricultural 230 

Peace, justices of 240 

Poor, overseers of... 245 

Prendergast, Thomas, Super. 235 

Prendergast, Matthew, Super J36 

Prescott, Gen. , captured .. . 340 

Physicians 197 

Squire White 197 

Lawton Richmond 19S 

" Fenn Deming 199 

Silas Spencer. 199 

'■ Marcius Simons.. 199 

Carlton Jones 200 

Daniel Ingalls 200 

•' SUasPomeroy 200 

" Aaron Wilbur... 200 

•' James Ball 200 

•' Saunders. 200 

" Swartwood 201 

" Barnes .201 

' ' Marcum 201 

" Daniel Henn 201 

" W.G.Wolcott 201 

" Austin 202 

" James A. Hall 202 

•' Lemuel Clark 202 

•• Rose 202 

Thomas Gushing . 203 

" H.C.Taylor-. 203 



CONTEXTS. 



Physiciaus, Mclntyre 203 

" Wm. Skinner 203 

H. J. Dean. 204 

N. H. Barnes 204 

T.C.Wilson 204 

Plymouth Company 49 

Phelps & Gorliam's purchase 53 

Purchase of Holland Company TjO 

a 

Queenstown, battle of.. 248 

Quigley's wine house... 216 

R 

Real estate in town .... . 29 

Rocks _ 34 

Roadways, old 47 

Road. Paiue's. . .-. 81 

" Erie Sa 

" Eliieott. 82 

" Turnpike 91 

Roads do -cribed _ 84 

Road, portage 402 

Ripley, settlement of 69 

Rev. John Spencer ... 142 

Rev. Charles LaHatt 155 

Roman Catholics 167 

Re-enlistment — war of 1861 278 

Railroads, B. & Erie 217 

'• Mayville & Portland. 217 

" Fredonia & VauBuren 218 

" Dunkirk & State Line 218 

L. S. & M. Southern 218 

" B., C. & Pittsburg . 220 

Ileal estate of railroads 30 

Religious meetings, first. 134 

S 

Site of county buildings 19 

Soil and surface of ti)\\Ti. 30 

Streams, siiriugs, &c 30 

Springs, gas. 35 

Settlement of town of Portland 72 

Stockton, settlement of . 70 

Sherman, settlement of 71 

Sheridan, " " 72 

Surveys by Holland Company. 62 

Settlers, and lots settled 72 

Settlement, rati' of 78 

Stages. 102 

Salem X Hnads P. office .. 100 



P.60 

Salem X Roads name changed 101 

Stage route 93 

Schools, pioneer 106 

Schoolhouses, first 107 

School districts, first... 112 

" " present 116 

Schools, Union 127 

Salem Academy 122 

School teachers, early 128 

School fund 124 

Statistical history, war of 1861 283 

Shoemakers, early :.. 182 

Sons of Temperance 193 

Social Circle 194 

Slavery 223 

Special elections 234 

Special town meetings 233 

Schools, Normal. 127 

School commissioners 244 

School inspectors 244 

Superintendent of schools ._ 244 

Supervisors, Biog. Sketches 235 

T 

Town of Bata\ia. 15 

Town of Chautauqua, original Ig 

Town meeting, first in county 16 

To\vn of Pomfret, erection of 19 

Time of erection of each town in Co.. . 21 

Trees, forest 37 

Town, view of before settlement 42 

Turnpike company 91 

Teachers, early 128 

Teachers' institutes 127 

Taverns, Dunn's and others 186 

Training, general, first Appendix 

Temperance Society 192 

Temperance, Sons of 193 

Temiilars, Good 194 

Town, bonding of 220 

Taxes from 1829. 228 

Town meetings, where held 231 

Tanneries, Parker's and others 180 

Title..... 49 

Town officers 240 

Taylor, H. C, Super 238 

Taylor, G. M., Super 238 

V 

Universalist Society 164 

" church 165 



CONTENTS. 



Uui versalist preachers 166 

" names of first members. . 165 

tlnion Lawn cemetery 301 

Union schools ]27 



View from higlilands, ZQ 

" " lake shore 40 

View of town before settlement. 42 

Villeno va, first settlement of 70 

Vineyard's, i'ay'sand others 212 

Vote for Governor to 1S72 224 

Vote for President to 1 S72. 225 

Valuation of real estate 226 

" '■ " " comiiared 227 



Westfield, settlement of Appendix 

Williams, B., contractor 

Williams, Mrs. Sophia 

Westfield postoffice 

Warof 1812_ 

War of 1861, call for troops 

" " statistical history 

" " men drafted ... 

" " men furnished 

Wagon makers, early 

Wine house R., F. & Haywood 

Wine Company, Lake Shore.... 

Wine house, Ryckman, Day tfCo 

Wine house, Fuller's. 

Wine house, Quigley 's 

Widow, first in town 



96 

96 
98 
246 
263 
283 
275 
278 
182 
213 
213 
215 
215 
216 
310 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



.4 bell, Heniy 332 

Andrews, Erastus 363 

Andrews, Wilson 375 

Andrews, James '. 376 

.Andrews, Asa 376 

Anderson, Samuel 389 

Andrews, Sylvester. 396 

Andrews, Amos C 406 

A verill. Lemon 409 

Arnold, C. F 423 

Arnold, Elisha 43.5 

Barnes, Daniel... 318 

Barnes, Calvin... _ 321 

Berry, William 322 

Burch, Jonathan .329 

Bushnall, Chester 331 

Brainard, Cephas 333 

Brooks, Asa 337 

Barker, Barzilla. 442 

Burton, Simon 3.52 

Bennett, James 354 

Bacon, Gillett 336 

Baldwin, Jesse 3^53 

Berrage, Richard 37 4 

Barnes, James 377 

Bail, Frederick ziS 

Bradley, Collins 379 

Bowhall, John 379 

Beach, Roswell 390 

Brown, Mansur 390 

Humi), As.i ;^97 



Bumi5, Jacob 397 

Beebe, Abner B sgg 

Bassell, Samuel 400 

Burdick, Ezra 407 

Bigelow, Thomas 417 

Baker, Warren 424 

Crosby, Nathan 313 

Carpenter, David . . 315 

Churchill, Sylvester 334 

Churchill, John 335 

Coney, John 337 

Correll, William 343 

Crosby, Luther 354 

Cass, Joseph 355 

Cotton, William _ _ _ 3g3 

Crane, Lemuel 353 

Conner John 355 

Colt, Wolcott 380 

Cook, Samuel ^88 

Charter, James 391 

Crosby, Erastus 395 

Corning, John and brothers 396 

Clough, Hoi-ace 399 

Case, William 400 

Crosby, Joshua 40c 

Carley, T. G 407 

Carley, L. P ^^fg 

Carpenter, Timothy 410 

Clements, H. C 415 

Dunn, James 3Q3 

Dodge, Daniel. 321 



CONTENTS. 



xm 



Harris, William, jun 339 

Hill, Zimri 345 

Hall, Ahira 347 

Hill, Lewis ;55Y 

Hubbell, Brewer , 363 

Harris, Ebenezer Qpo 

Doolittle,Ljinan 399 Hefron, William J 

Daiee,JamesW 411 Hutchius, Calvin.' ■::.' : 3™ 

Deuton,Isaac 41S Howe, William 1 

l^''^' ^'^^^'^ 424 Hubbard, Isaac '.■.; Vpo 

Dr.ggs, Alison 4., Howard, Henry 

Eaton, David ,, g^- 



Dusenbury, J 34^ 

Diusmore, Silas Appendix & 337 

Dunbani, William 3Jjg 

Druse, John 35- 

Duraud, Jeremiah 330 

Doty, Elijah. 399 



Emerson, Wilder 323 

Ely, Heman 335 

Ensign, Otis 3(jfj 

Eastwood, CorneUiis 394 

Ensign, Thomas 4qt, 

Everts, Jesse 4jq 

Everden, Samuel 4J2 

Everden, John 4j., 

EUiot, Oliver ]] 433 

Fay, Nathan 30 -, 

Fay, Nathaniel 3]j 

Kay, Elisha 3Qg 

Farlin, David 3j4 

^'^y.Hollis 323 

Fay, EUjah 324 

Fish, Hiram 33- 

Fuller, Asa ijl .3^ 

Flint, Abial 3gg 

Ford, Almon 3g- 

Kreeman, George 3^7 

Freeman, Robert 4Qg 

Fellows, Abigail 4H 

Granger, David B 315 

Goldsmith, Roe 340 

Guyle, Joseph. , 344 

Geer, Samuel 335 

Gator, Richard 357 

Goodwin, Tyrus 397 

Gill, Amos 407 

Gittord, David 432 

Gibbs, Joseph V 331 

Hutchins, Benjamin,.,, ; .305 

Hart, Josiah 313 

Harris, Absalom 31;5 

Hodge, Alfred 315 

Hall,Perry 317 

Hutchins, William- 3s-8 

Haines, anford 33I 



.".09 
399 
401 
420 
419 



390 

Holenbeck, John 391 

Hitchcock, G. A 391 

Hall, Aaron 390 

Houghton, Silas 393 

Hedgeline, John .... 395 

Harris, Joseph 39,5 

Harris, Samuel 

Hibbard, Eleazer. 

Howe, Isaac 

Hall, Samuel 

Hunt, Obadiah 

Hulburt, David, Rev 401 

Ingersoll. Peter 3^ 3 

Ingalls, Daniel... _^q^ 

Joy, David. ....*.. 3^^ 

Jordan, Benajah 3^,^ 

J udson, Timothy 40- 

Jackson Joshua 

Kane, Peter 

Klumph, Thomas 314 

Kelsey, Andrew vj- 

Klumph, Augustine 3]^ 

Klumph, Jeremiah 3^11 

Klumph, Jacob W 3^2 

Kinney, Erastus. 4,3 

Kinney, Rufus... 4^3 

Lee, James 3go 

Light, John 3^,, 

Lilly, Leonard 395 

Logan, Cyrus _ 393 

Lake, Nicholas 394 

Lewis, Pardon ■19,. 

Lewis, Walker 40- 

Logan, John .... ,,.. 

Leech, Robert 4],; 

Leavitt, Robert 4.^.^ 

Martin, Zadoc 350 

Mumford, Walter. ■■«., 



310 



Millet, Samuel. 



■I'is, William 339 Mclntvrf 



CONTENTS. 



MeiTitt, Felix 375 

McManus, C. and brothers 377 

McAllister, Andrew .-. 381 

McGregor, David 382 

Muusou, Samuel 383 

Miiinford, Heni-y 390 

Miller, William - 395 

Mills, Deforest 395 

Moore, Kufus _ — 407 

MattheT\sou, Andrew 433 

Nichols, Benjamin 418 

Nash, Cotton 433 

Owen, Ethan A 359 

Owen, Frederick 393 

Odell, Kobert 415 

OdeU, John 415 

Onthank, Lovel. 415 

Orton, Thomas 432 

Price, John 311 

Parker, James 312 

Perrj, Eufns 313 

Potter, Jeremiah 321 

Palmer, Abel 346 

Perkins, Orris 366 

Pierce, Aaron. 367 

Prime, Jewett — ^ 371 

Pratt, James 395 

Pullman, Nathaniel. ..- 432 

Pomeroy, Plynn ._ 40.S 

Peters, Joseph P. . 413 

Powell, Lorenzo 414 

Patch, Reuben B 418 

Price, Charles. 419 

Pomeroy, Silas 424 

Peck, Asahel 429 

Palmer, Nathaniel 406 

Pease, Solomon and Asa 4-">- 

PuUman, Lems 433 

Quigley, John 320 

Quigley, Martin . 369 

Rice, Lester 374 

Reeder, Nathaniel 394 

Reeder, James 394 

Risley, Jared. 413 

Ray, James 426 

Smith, Martin 314 

Sage, Moses 341 



Shiiff, Henry 359 

Saflford, Jonas 359 

Smalley, Stephen 366 

Simmons, Zuriel 372 

Spafford, Oliver - 373 

Simpson, Obadiah . . . 379 

Spencer, Henry 386 

Skinner, David 387 

Skinner, Chester 386 

Skinner, Alfred 386 

Skinner, Albert 388 

Smith, Joel 397 

Shattuck Samuel 402 

Shattuck, Seth 405 

Shum way, Ebenezer 410 

Shaver, Joseph 425 

Stilson, Jaeob . 4:J2 

Stetson, William A 435 

Taylor, Erastus 31 3 

Taylor, Parsons 315 

Taylor, Reuben . . 34s 

Thornton, Asa 34ii' 

Thayer, Jedediah :i6ii 

Tit comb, Moses . . 37'i 

Tower, John 3S-! 

Thayer, Lemuel . . 392 

Thayer, Elijah . :;9:'. 

Tucker, Samuel 429 

Tillotsou, Cyrus 432 

Tibbals, John 433 

Utter, Eleazer 377 

Uuderhill, John 40>; 

tJhl, Nicholas . 426 

Vangaasbeek, M. P ... 360 

Vangaasbeek, Peter 372 

Vibbard, Leonard 395 

Wilder, James 331 

Williams, Richard .... 351 

Whitcomb, Simeon . . . 361 

Williams, Ebenezer 362 

Wooden, Cahan 395 

West, Joshua S 409 

Winslow, Nathaniel 41() 

Wilbur, .John 41 s 

Williams, Harvey 42ii 

Wilbur, Aaron 424 

Wilbur, Browneil 425 



CHAPTER I. 

To make the following pages the more intelligible, as well as 
more acee])table to the reader it is proposed in the outset to 
devote a brief space to civil divisions, not only of the county of 
Cliautauqua, of which Portland forms a i)art, but more or Less 
detinitely of the whole western part of the State. 

Few, comparatively, have any very definite knoAvledge with 
reference to the various divisions of that vast tract of country in 
western New York commonly known as the Holland Purchase; 
when tliey were made, or who were the actors in those early 
scenes — a knowledge at once interesting, useful and often neces- 
sary. It is ])roposed to place a record of this character, as far 
as suits our j)urpose, within the reach of every former and pres- 
ent citizen of the town of Portland, and as many of their de- 
scendants as it is possible to reach. 

I^y an act of the Legislature of the State, dated March :30, 
1 8i)2, the original county of Genesee was erected, embracing 
substantially all tlmt ))ai'f of the State west of Steuben county 
and the (xeuesee river, and trom which originated the present 
counties of Niagara, Orleans, Genesee, Erie, Wyoming, Alle- 
gany, Cattaraugus. Cliautau(|iui and parts of Monroe and Liv- 
ingston. Batavia was the county seat. By the same act the 
county was divided into four towns, Northam))ton, Southampton, 
Leicester and Batavia. The town of Batavia embraced nearly 
all the territory within tlie ])i-esent counties of Niagara, Catta- 
raugus*and Chautau<[ua. Emigration pressing westward with a 
rapidity almost beyond precedent, considering the difficulties to 
be overcome and the hardships to be endured, soon created a 
demand for a still furtlier division: an<l on A])ril 11. 1S()4. tlie 



16 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

town of Batavia was divided into the towns of Batavia, Wil- 
link, Erie and Chautauqua. Previous to this date the elections 
were held at the village of Batavia, and some of the electors 
living in the remote settlements of that extended town were 
obliged to travel, if voting at all, a distance of nearly one hun- 
dred miles and occupy an entu-e week for the purpose. 

It has generally been understood that the original town of 
Chautauqua embraced all the territory within the present county 
of that name: but the act defining the boundaries of the town 
reads thus: 

"And all that part of the town ot Batavia, beginning in the 
uortli boundary of the state of Pennsylvania, where the meri- 
dian line between the tenth and eleventh ranges of the Holland 
Company's Lands commences; thence north along said meridian 
line, bounding east on the town of Erie, to the boundary line in 
Lake Erie" &c. Thus leaving the towns of Carroll, Poland, 
Ellington, Cherry Creek, Villenova and Hanover, except the 
first four lots of T 0, 11th Kange, and that part of Iviantone 
lying east of the township line as defined on the Holland Com- 
pany's maps, outside the limits of the present county and with- 
in the town of Erie. [See Original Laws V. :34, No. 112.] 

This act also specified that the first Town meeting sliould be 
held at the house of widow McHenry. ISlrs. McHenry lived at 
the ancient Cross Roads, about one mile west of the center of 
the present village of Westfield, near where now stands a mon- 
umental stone. Li April of the following year. 1805, the first 
Town JSleeting was held at the place specified, at which John 
McMahan was elected Supervisor, and .James Montgomery, 
Town Clerk. James Dunn was elected one of the Koad Com- 
missioners, and was the first elected to office from the territory 
now comprising the town of Portland, in fact was the only legal 
voter in town. 

This first Town Meeting was deemed to be invalid from a 
mistake in the nam'e of the town, and an ai>i)ointment was made 
of the officers chosen by the people, by Benj. Elliott, David 
McCracken and Asa Ransom, then Justices of the Peace and 



TIIK T(>\V\ OF PORTLAND. 17 

all living east of Buffalo ; with the exception of Zattu Gushing, 
in whose place Orsamus Holmes was appointed as Overseer of 
the Poor. [See List of Town Officers.] 

The office of Justice of the Peace was not then elective, but 
appointments were made by the council of ap})ointment at Al- 
bany, and the first selected to till that office for the new town of 
Chautauqua were: Perry G. Ellsworth, David Kinkade and 
Peter Kane in March 18)5. Perry G. Ellsworth, John McMahan 
and David Eason were appointeed in March 1806. [See List of 
Town Officers.] The meetings of the Board of Supervisors for 
1 806-7-8 were held at the village of Batavia. No general elec 
tion was held in the town until 1807; when the vote of the 
town was 69 ; Daniel D. Tompkins receiving 41 and Morgan 
Lewis 28. 

Elections were then held on the last Tuesday in April and the 
two following days, instead of the first Tuesday in November 
as at present; the Board having the i)Ower to adjourn to such 
places as should seem most for the convenience of the settlers. 
At tliis first election the |)olls were opened on th^^ first day at 
tlie house of Wm. Bemus on the east side of Chautauqua Lake 
at Bemus Point ; the second at the house of Mrs. Per'-y, form- 
ly Mi-s. McHenry, at the ancient Cross Roads, now Westfield, 
and the tliird day in the forenoon at the house of Hezekiah Bar- 
ker at Caiiadawjxy, now Fredonia, :md in the afternoon at the 
house of Orsamus Holmes in the present town of Sheridan, at a 
])oint familiarly known as the "Roberts Stand." The expense 
of that election to the town was 68 dollars, each vote costing 
within a fraction of one dollar. The only means of travel then 
w;is by horseback and through an almost interminable wilder- 
ness, with roads little better than a trail, in fact with almost no 
roa(is at all. The Board ])acked their ballot boxes, into their 
]»ockets, and proceeded on their "devious winding way" in single 
file from one j^oint to the others designated. David Eaton, Esq.. 
of the present town of Portland, Avas clerk of that board. 

An effort was made in 1806 to divide the town of Chautau- 
(pia. and a vote taken :it the town meeting in April of that year 



18 HISTORIC Al, SKETCHES OF 

at the house of Mrs. McHenry with reference to the propriety of 
such a division, was nearly unanimous in its favor. The 
proposition was to divide by a line commencing on Lake Erie at 
the N. E. corner of the ])resent town of Sheridan, thence south 
to the S. E. corner of Charlotte, or the S. E. corner of T. 4. R. 
11, thence west along- the line between T. 4 and 5 to the S. W. 
corner of T. 4 and lot 58 in the present town of Stockton, and 
thence north along the line between Ranges 12 and 13 to Lake 
Erie, comprising territory embraced within the present 
towns of Sheridan, Arkwright, Charlotte, Dunkirk, Pomfret 
an<i Stockton, very nearly. Whether any further eflTort was 
made in this direction I am not advised, but the proposition was 
not carried out. 

By an act of the Legislature bearing date March 11, 1808, 
the old county of Genesee was divided, and the counties of 
Genesee, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua were formed, 
and their boundaries determined. The eastern boundary of the 
county of Chautauqua was the line between the 9th and 10th 
Ranges of townshi})s from the Pennsylvania line north to Cat- 
taraugus CH'eek. and thence down the center of that stream to 
Lake Erie. 

These boundaries remain to the jjresent time. The county of 
Chautauqua thus included one tier of townshi])s, the 10th on the 
east, more than the old toum of Cliautaucpia. Niagara county 
was fully organized the same year, but the counties of Cattaraugus 
and (Chautauqua being but sparsely po])ulated, were required to 
remain as a part of the territory of Niagara for judicial pur{)oses 
until such time as they should each contain five hundred taxable 
inhabitants qualified to vote for members of assembly ; the 
Board of Supervisors of Niagara county to determine the fact* 
from the assessment rolls of these counties ; their action being 
certified to the Governor, they were to be fully organized by the 
a|)pointinent of officers &c. From this county Zattu Cushiug 
and Martin Prendergast were appointed by the council of ap- 
pointment. Judges of Niagara county, in w^hich cai)acity they 
served until Chautaucjua county was fully organized in IHll. 



Till. Toux OK poirri.ANi). 19 

By the act of 180-! tlic Governor was authorized to a]>]>(»int 
lliree oommissi oners to hx-ate a site for tlie county buildings in 
tlie three counties, within one year from the date of tlie act. 
Tlie commissioners ai)])ointed were. Jonas Williams, Isaac Suth- 
erland and Asa Kansoni, who discharged the duties assigned 
tliem within the time specified, or some time during that year. 
Kew Amsterdam, now Buffalo, was fixed upon as the county 
seat for the county of Niagara: Ellicottville for Cattaraugus, 
and ]\ray ville for ClKuitauijua. In their rei)ort of the manner in 
wliich they liad discharged their duties, the commissioneis 
<lescribed in general terms the spot they had designated for 
Chautau(]ua county, and then, tliat there should be no mistake 
Avith reference to it, they added that they had ''erected a large 
hemlock ])ost." 

By the act before mentioned of ]March 11, 1808. dividing the 
old county of Genesee and erectiiiL;-, with others, the county of 
Cliautau((ua, the old tmru of Cliautau<[ua Avas also divided, the 
town of l^omfret ei'ected and made to include the 10th Range 
of to\vnshi])s on the east and not included in the original town 
of C)hautau(iua. Tlie town of Pomfret included tlie 10th and 
1 Ith Banges from the I'eiinsylvaiiia line to Lake Erie and two 
t(iwiishi|(s on the nortli of the 12th Bange. territory now in- 
cluded in the towns of Hanover, Villenova. Cherry Creek, Elling- 
ton, Poland. Carroll. Kiantone, Ellicott, Gerry, (/harlotte. Ark- 
wiiglit. Slieridan, Dunkirk, Pomfret and a ]>art of J^iisti. The 
balance of the town retained its original name of Chautau<[ua. 

At the meeting of the board of Su|>ervisors of Niagara county 
in the fall of 1810. it was found on the examination of the as- 
sessment rolls that the county of Chautauqua contained the 
re(iuisite number of taxable inhabi'ants to entitle it to become 
organized in accordance with the jn'ovisimis of the statute, and 
a statement of the fact was drawn up and certified to \mder 
seal by tlie board to (Tovenior Tompkins, and at a m'.'eting of 
the Governor and council of api)ointment, held on the 9th day 
of February 1811, the requisite county officers were appointed 
and commiss'oned. The officers then a))]ioinfed Avere Zattu 



20 IllSl'OKlCAl, SKKTCUKS OK 

Cusliing, first judge, Matthew Prendergast, Philo Ortoii, Jon- 
athan Thompson and William Alexander, assistant judges. Da 
vid Eason was appointed sheriff, and John C. ]\rarshall. county 
clerk. The first court of Common Pleas was lield at ^[ayville 
June2r;th, 1811. 

The Land Office was established at Mayville in 1810. and 
Wm. Peacock appointed agent. 

The census was taken in 1810, under the authority of the 
United States, and the population of the county found to lie 
2.88]. 

"But little more than eight years had elapsed since the fii'st 
white inhabitant had located within the limits of the county. 
The change that had marked the features of the county during 
that period was probably as striking at that time as at any sub- 
sequent period of equal duration. The sense of solitude which 
liad pressed upon the minds of the pioneers had in a great mea- 
sure been removed, and the evidences of industry and cultivation 
were on all liands obliterating the traces of savage life and lift- 
ing the gloom which had hung .over it since creation.'" — AVar 

REN.] 



THK Town ok i'oi;ti.\ni>. 21 



CIFAI'TKIJ IT. 

John MoMahan as First Supervisor of ("liautauqua, meets with the Board at Batavia— 
Arthur Bell First Supervisor of the uew Towu of Chautauqua, and meets with 
the Niagara County Board at Buffalo— James Montgomery First Town Clerk- 
Development of the Couuty— Erection of the various Towns in the County, and 
their First Supervisors. 

John McMahan served as supervisor of the old town of Chau- 
tauqua for the years 1805, 6 and 7, and met with the board at Ba- 
tavia, Genesee county. In April 1808, Arthiu- Bell -was elected 
the first supervisor of the new town of Chautauqua, and served 
with the Niagara county board which met at Buffalo. James 
]\[ontgomery was the first town clerk, and was elected at the 
same time with Mc^fahan. [See list of town officers.] 

From this time onward the county Avas ra})idly developed, 
exce])t for the period during the war of 1812, and towns were 
divided and subdivided and new ones erected in rapid succes- 
sion to accomniodate the wants of the settlers and facilitate mu- 
ni('i]»al regulations. In June 1812, the towns of Ellicott, Gerry, 
and llan()\er were erected. Ellicott then included within its 
limits the ))resent towns of Ellicott, C-arroll, Kiantone, Poland 
and a ]>art of Busti. (rerry incluiled the present towns of 
(ierry. F211iiigton. Charlotte and Cherry Creek, was of the same 
size of Ellicott and lay immediately north of it. Hanover 
included within its limits the ])resent town of that name, Avith 
Villenova and a part of Arkwriglit and a part of Sheridan. All 
tlie above towns were formed from the old town of Fomfret. 

Portland was erected the next year, 181.3, Ai)ril 9th, and was 
taken from the town of Chautauqua, and included the present 
towns of Portland, Westfield and Kipley ; the form reminding 
one somewhat of tlie (4eriymandering of partizan State legisla- 
tures in districting States for representation in Congress. The 



22 IIISTOIUCM- ivKTfllES OK 

first supenisor awis Tliomas I'reudergast. [See l)iograi)hieal 
sketches of supervisors.] 

ITarmoiiy was erected from the town of Chautauqua, February 
1-ith, 1810, and included tlie ])resent town of tliat name and a 
l»ait of r>usti. Palmer Phillips was the first supervisor. 

Ivijdey was erected ]M arch 1st, ] 810, and was taken from 
Portland. It included all that ])art of Portland west of Chan- 
tau<[ua creek. The first supervisor was Amos Atwater, elected 
in A\m\ 1810. [See biographical sketches.] 

Clymer was erected February 9th, 1821, and was taken from 
C1iautau(jua. It embraced the present towns of Clymer, Sher- 
man, French Creek and Mina, being townships one and two of 
ranges fourteen and fifteen. The fii'st supervisor was Ande 
Nobles. 

Stockton was erected imder the same act as Clymer and was 
also taken from Chautaucjua, and embraced nearly its present 
territory. The first supervisor Avas C^alvin Warren, elected in 
tlie si)ring of that yeai'. 

Ellery was erected twenty days after Stockton and Clymer, 
February 2nth, 1821. and was taken from Chautau(pia. It has 
retained its original boun(huies. The first supervisor was 
Almon Ives. 

Kusti was erect e<l April 10, 182;-5, and was taken from Ellicott 
and Harmony. It was named in honor of Paul Pusti, the 
popular General Agent of the Holland Company, living in 
Philadelphia, to whom the settlers upon the Purchase and their 
descendants are indebted for many acts of genei'osity and good 
will, and the various religious societies for generous gifts of 
land for their use. Daniel Shearnum was the first supervisor, 
elected in April 1824. 

MUenova was erected January 24th, 1823, and was taken 
from Hanover. Elzra Puffer was the fii'st sujiervisor. 

Carroll was erected ^l:u-ch 2.')th, 182."). It was oriuinallv a 
part of Ellicott. James Hall was the first su])ervisor. 

Sheridan Avas erected .\.])ril 10th, 1827, and Avas taken from 
Pomfret an<l Hanover. The first supervisor was Lyscum IMixei'. 



TIIF, TOWN Ol POIITI.AXl). 23 

Wcstfield was erected Marcli 19th, 1829, and was taken from 
Poi'lland and Ripley. The first supervLsor was Amos Atwater. 
[See biogra}>hieal sketches of supervisors.] 

Cliarlotte was erected Ai)ril INth, 1829,' and was taken from 
Gerry. Tlie first suj)ei'visor was Nathan Lake. 

Arkwright was erected iVpril :30th, 1829, and was taken from 
Pomfret and Villenova. Tlie first supervisor was William 
Wilcox. 

Cherry Creek was erected May 4th, 1829, and was taken 
fron\ Ellington. First sujiervisor, James Carr. 

French Creek was erected April 2od, 1 829, and was taken 
Clymei". First supervisor, Alexander Wilson, jun. 

Ellington was erected April 1st, 1824, and was taken from 
Gerry. The first supervisor was James Thatcher. 

Mina was erected March 23, 1824, and was taken from 
Clymer. Nathan Throop was the fii-st supervisor. 

Poland Avas erected April 9th, 1832, and was taken from 
Ellicoit. Nathan Fenton was the first supervisor. ^ 

Sherman was erected April ITtli, 1832, and was taken from 
Mina. B. H. Kipp was the first supervisor. 

Kiantone was erected Nov. IGth, 1853, and Avas taken from 
Carroll. The act erecting the town was jjassed by the board of 
supervisors at their adjourned meeting at the village of Mayville 
on the above named day. The power to legislate with reference 
to the division of towns had been delegated to the board by the 
state legislature, by an act bearing date April 3d, 1 849. 

The first supeiwisor was Ezbai Kidder. 

Dunkirk was instituted by act of the board of supervisors, 
dated Nov. 17th, 1859, and was taken from Pomfret. Geo. M. 
Abell was the first supervisor. 



24 IITSTOUTCAT. SKKTCIIF.S OF 



CHAPTER III. 

Act erecting tlic origiual town of Portland — Act eree'iing the town of Ripley — Place of 
holding town meeting changed — Agitation for another division of the town of Port- 
land — -Act relating to the same — jTii'st OUicers chosen — Close of Civil Divisions. 

Tlie act erecting the original town of Portland as lias been 
said was passed April 9th, 1813, and defines its boundaries as 
follows : "That after tlie passing of this act, all that part of 
the town of Chautau(|na beginning at the northwest corner of 
township No. 3 in the 15tli range of the land belonging to the 
Holland Company, thence south on the line of the state of 
Pennsylvania to the south corner of township No. 3 in the 15th 
range aforesaid, thence east between the second and third tier 
of townships ei<ifht miles and one quarter of a mile to a ])ost, 
thence nortli between lots No. 33, 41, 34, 42, 35 and 43 to the 
place where the said line intersects Chautauqua Creek, thence 
down the center of said creek to a point, thence by a line to be 
drawn from said point to the southeast corner of township No. 
5 in the 13th range, crossing the bridge road at the five mile 
post in said road, thence north bounding on said township No- 
5 in the 13th range to the boundary line of the State, thence 
south westerly along said boundary line till it comes to a place 
opposite the place of beginning, thence to the place of begin- 
ning, shall be and liereby is erected into a town by the name of 
Portland, and the first town meeting in said town of Portland 
shall be held at the house of Jonathan Cass ; and that all the 
remaining part of the said town of Chautauqua shall be and 
remain a separate town by the name of Chautauqua, and that 
the first town meeting in said town of Chautauqua shall be held 
at the house where the courts are held in the village of 
Mayville." [See Sess. L. Ch. 36.] 



TITK TOWN OF POETLAXP. 25 

Some little obscurity existing witli reference to a portion of 
tlie soutliern boundary of the town, a survey was made by A. 
Williams, surveyor, on June 4th, 1821, and is described as fol- 
lows : "Portland town line bears IVoni the N. E. corner of T. 
4, 11. 13, to the Chautaucjua Creek, south GO'' 14^ west, 645 
chains to a black oak tree marked T. L., standing on the west 
bank of Chautauqua Creek." 

This survey was attested by "T. B. Campbell, supervisor of 
Portland," with the statement that he was present at the run- 
ning of the line. 

Portland did not long remain with its first boundaries. So 
great was the influx of emigration that there was soon a 
demand for better accommodation for the transaction of business 
and attendance upon elections. Accordingly, during the year 
1815 the project of a division was agitated which resulted in 
the passage of an act l)y the legislature, March 1, 1816, erecting 
the town of Ripley, which comprised the ])resent town of that 
name and all of the present town of Westfield west of Chau- 
tauqua Creek. 

The towns of Portland and Piyjley remained intact for several 
years, and in fact there was no exertion for another division 
until the summer and fall of 1 828. The town meeting of Port- 
land that year had been very sjjirited. Elisha Arnold, living in 
the present town of Portland, had been elected supervisor in 
opposition to a prominent and influential citizen of the village 
of Westfield, and the question of removing the place of holding 
the next town meeting from the usual place to some point more 
central was agitated, and a vote obtained to the end that the 
next meeting be held at the forks of the roads in the present 
town of Portland on the Erie road, on lands of Martin Coney, 
lot 34 T. 5. At that time there Avas not the semblance of a 
house to be seen on the spot designated, the ground being cov- 
ered with stum])S and the remains of fallen timber. The voters 
however, had the assurance of Mr. Coney that a building suitable 
for the purpose should be placed upon the ground in time for 
the next meeting, which i)romise was fulfilled and a tavern 



2G insTor.iCAi. sketches of 

house of ample proportions built daring the season npon the 
spot, and occupied by the family of JNEr. Coney. The building 
is still standing and is the prtsent residence of ^Ir. O. Jerome 
Greene. 

Tlte chagrin of the defeat at the town election for 1828 
"svas the occasion of a movement by the people of the village of 
Westtield and vicinity having in view another dismemberment 
of the old town of Portland, and during the -winter following 
a bill was drawn and ])resented to the legislature l)y Nathan 
Mixer, then one of the members from this county, which 
after the usual com-se was passed March 19th, 1829, erecting 
the town of Westfield. This act reads as follows : "From 
and after the passing of this act, all that part of the town of 
Portland known as a part of the fourth township in the four- 
teenth range <jt the Holland Company's purchase, and so much 
of the town of Ripley as lies east of a line running from Lake 
Erie to the south line of said town, being the division line 
between the fourteenth and fifteenth ranges of townships of 
the Holland Company's purchase as aforesaid, shall be and 
remain a separate town by the name of Westfield, and the 
first town meeting shall be held at the house of Asa Farnsworth 
on the first Tuesday in April next, and hereafter at such 
place as the inhabitants shall appoint at their anniial town 
meetings. The residue of the town of Portland shall remain 
a separate town by the name of Portland, and the next town 
meeting therein shall be held at the house of jVIartin Coney in 
said tow^n on the first Tuesday of April next. The supervisors 
and overseers of the poor of the towns of Portland, Ripley 
and Westfield, shall as soon as may be after the first town 
meeting therein, npon notice to be given by the said supervisors 
or one of them, meet together at the house now occupied by 
Asa Farnsworth in the village of Westfield. and ap})ortion the 
poor and poor moneys and other funds of said towns agreeable 
to the assessment rolls of the to^vns of Portland and Ripley 
for the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eiglit, and 
each of said towns shall thereafter support its own poor." 
[SeeSess. L. 1829. ch. 59.] 



THK TOWN Ol' POIJTI.AXI). *J t 

On the first Tuesday of April following Elisha Arnold was 
elected supervisor of Portland, and a full set of town officers 
was also elected. Amos Atwater, the first su])ervisor of Kiplev, 
was the first supervisor of Westfield. [See Lioorajihical 
sketches.] 

We have thus noticed the formation and the dismemberment 
of the old county of Genesee, the hive from Avhich counties 
seemed to swarm, and the formation of some of tliose counties : 
the formation of the old town of Chautauqua ; the formation of 
the county ; its several divisions described more or less definitely 
as suited our purpose, until our inquiry has brought us within 
the limits of the ])resent town of Portland, the theatre of onr 
futui'e investigations. 

An interest attaches to the subject that may lead us to ])aitic 
ularize ferther than may interest many readers now citizens of 
the town, but we are sure that the generation coming upon the 
stage and those that are to follow will esteem this very feati;re 
as one of great value, and will ap})reciate oiu" motives and 
eiforts in {)lacing upon record those incidents and facts that go 
to make uj) tlie unwritten history of the town. 



28 HISTOUICAT. SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER TY. 

Description — Boundaries — Geographical Center — Location — Assessed Area — ^Real Area 
— Table of lots and acres in each — Surface — Soil — Value for agricultural purposes — 
Compared vrith other towns — Streams — Springs — ^Lakes &c., &c. 

Portland is the smallest town in the county of Chautauqua 
with but two exceptions, Kiantone and Dunkirk. It is bounded 
on the north by Lake Erie, on the east by the town of Pomfret, 
on tlie south by tlie towns of Chautauqua and Stockton, and on 
tlie west by Westfield. Its definite boundaries have before 
been given in reciting- tlie acts of the legislature creating the 
towns of Portland and Westlield. The geographical center of 
the town is a point six rods north of the road intersecting the 
line of lots No. 25 and 30, T 5, and commonly known as the 
.Erie or Kllicott road, about midway between the former resi- 
dences of S. Y. P. Wells and Simeon Dedrick, and is in lati 
tude 42*^ 22^, longitude 2° tM)^ west from Washington. 

Tlie length of its eastern l»oundary is seven miles and fifteen 
rods; the southern boundary is six miles and two hundred 
and forty rods ; the western l)oundary is fom* miles and two 
hundred and forty four rods, and the northern boundary from 
the IsT. E. corner on the lake to tlie N. W. corner is eiglit miles 
and sixty-two rods. The width of the town on the line 
between toAvnshi})S 4 an<l 5 is five miles and two hundred and 
ninety-seven rods, lacking twenty-six rods of the proposed width 
of townships in the first survey. The town lies upon Lake 
Erie, on the northern border of the county a little west of the 
centei', and is fifty-one miles from Buffalo and thirty-six from 
Erie, Pennsylvania. It has an assessed area of twenty thousand 
five hundred and ten acres including roads, and a real area of 
twentv thousand seven liiuidiTd and fortv nine and oiu^-li.-ilC 



TIIF. TOAN'N or PORTLAND. 



29 



acres, nearly ; the diiFerenee being cliurch property and property 
not taxable under the statute and, probably, inaccuracies in 
making returns to the assessors. 

The following table will show the number of each lot or 
])art of a lot within the town, and the numbei' of acres and 
decimals of an acre in each lot, the aggregate showing the leal 
area of the town. Lots are numbered from the southeast 
corner of each townshi)) as defined by the Holland Coni]):iny's 
ma]>s ; a part of Portland being in the 4th and a jiart in the 
5th township, of the 18tli i-ange. 



^ 




Acres. 

1 


mJ 


"x 

E^ 


Acres. 


i 


3 

X 


I 


r. 


;-^r>7.7S 


IS 


5 


331) 00 \ 


\ 35 


.-, '• 


2 


5 


3S« 95 


1» 


5 


.f,3S 00 


i 3(; 


5 1 


.3 


h 


4 IS. .83 


20 


5 


170.00 


37 


^ \ 


4 


5 


421.72 


21 


:■> 


342 04 


38 


5 


a 


-) 


1()S.87 


22 


5 


308 80 


39 


.5 


c 


.", 


?A?,.r^r-^ 


23 


5 


17.>.38 


40 


5 


7 


5 


332.90 


24 


.P) 


370.00 


41 


r, 


8 


•* 


;^;^o ;?{) 


2.5 


r. 


,500 00 


42 


5 


!l 


5 


354 00 


26 


;> 


.34.^. (52 


i 8 


4 


10 


U 


.3n0 43 


27 


5 


4!l'l r>3 


b; 


4 


11 


;") 


1 8.-) 03 


2S 


n 


ISO 52 


2j> 


4 


I'J 


r> 


,S7I.0() 


29 


.T 


312.00 


24 


4 


i:5 


;") 


r.4!> 00 


30 


r> 


413(10 


30 


4 


u 


;-, 


3<!fi.7l 


3! 


5 


1 87.00 


.^1 


4 


ir. 


i") 


387. 77 


32 


.5 


6fi8 89 


32 


4 


If! 


5 


4Il.Itl 


33 


h 


3(;i.oo 


38 


4 


17 


5 


3."). .5 1 


34 


5 


343 00 


1 39 


4 



357 52 
374 71 
222 fiO 
314 00 
184 00 
4(53 70 
471. (w 
343 34 

98.07 
280 80 

88 97 
384 20 
4.00 
238.40 
371.50 
110.32 
324.00 





o. 




~ 


-J 


fe 


T 


H 


40 


4 


45 


4 


40 


4 


47 


4 


48 


4 


52 


4 


53 


4 


5^ 


4 


55 


4 


59 


4 


00 


4 


01 


4 


02 


4 


03 


4 



338.00 
9 00 
28 V50 
370 70 
38(5.50 
144.80 
303.30 
301.00 
300.40 
10,00 
270.00 
319 09 
327.30 
329.00 



Thus showing tlie real above the assessed area to be as aV)ove 
state.l. 

The south line of the town runs diagonally across lots Xo. 
8, 16, 28, ao, 31, as, 4.5, 46, 52 and 6) of T 4 at an angle from 
the N. E. corner of that townshi}) S. 6'J*^ 14" west. 

A bluff with an elevation from twenty to thirty feet e.xtend.s 
along the lake, a portion of the way ])recipitous and rocky, but 
mostly gravelly at the base and a clay loam at the surface. 
For trom two to three miles from the lake the surface is niostlv 



30 IlISl'ORK AI. SKKTi'IlKS OK 

level or gently undulating, broken only by the valleys made 
by the small streams that empty into the lake. The soil for 
this distance is a clayey loam. Immediately south of this and 
near the villages of Brocton and Centreville, and extending 
across the whole town from southwest to northeast is a strij) 
of sandy or gravelly soil averaging one mile in width and 
slightly elevated from the loam or lake belt. From this the 
surface rises more or less into a hilly ridge, fonning a part 
of the great water-shed between the waters flowing into the 
gulf of St. Lawi-ence through the great lakes and those flowing 
into the gulf of Mexico through the Allegheny, Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers. The elevation of this ridge of hills or 
water-shed is one thousand to twelve hundred feet above the 
waters of Lake Erie, and eighteen hundred to two thousand 
feet above ocean tides. So gradual is the rise from the 
level country along the lake to the summit that the whole 
surface is fitted for agricultural purposes and capable of 
a high state of cultivation. P'rom the summit back to the 
south line of the town the surface is uneven, and in the south- 
west part somewhat broken, but well adapted for grazing, 
dairying and general agricultural pur})oses. On this ridge the 
soil is mostly a heavy clay and loam. Tlie soil of the town as 
a whole is well adapted for tlie purposes of agriculture, the 
south ])art more especially for grazing and dairying and the 
north for grain and fruit growing. Some idea inay be formed 
of its value for the purposes of general agriculture front the 
fact that the state assessors have placed it in the first of the four 
classes into which the towns of the county have been divided by 
them, there being but three others in the same class, viz : 
Hanover, Pomfret and Sheridan: and no one stands in advance 
of it in the average valuation of real estate considei-ed with 
reference to its ada] )tability for the ])ur])oses named, the M\t'i'agc 
per acre being thirty five dollars. 

Hivers. — There are but few streams of water flowing througli 
the town. The s]>ace between the toji of the ridge of higli- 
lands in the south part of the town and Lake Kric on tlit- noi-tti is 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 31 

SO narrow that the acciuuiTlation of water is necessarily small 
and the streams dwindle to mere rivulets in the liot and dry 
weather of summer, and some of them entirely disappear. 
There are, however, exceptions to this general rule and occa- 
sionally a season when water -flows through the whole year 
sufficient for the propelling of machinery &c. 

Little Canadmoay Creek rises in the town of Ponifret, runs 
a northwesterly coarse, enters Portland on lot eight in the 
northeast j)art of the town, and after a brief career empties into 
lake Erie on lot 9, T. 5. 

Slippery Rock GreeJc. — This is the principal stream in town, 
and rises in the highlands in the south of the town and the 
town of Pomfret ; runs first a north and then a northwesterly 
course and falls into the lake on lot twenty-seven, T. 5. It has 
an east and a west branch uniting four miles from its mouth 
on the east part of lot thirteen, T. 5. 

Dunhams Creek. — This stream rises in the central and south 
part of the town, receiving in its com'se many smaller streams 
mostly originating in springs, and running a general north- 
westerly direction falls into the lake on lot thirty-two, T. 5. 

CorniVs Creek. — This stream rises also among the high- 
lands in the south of the town, runs a general northwesterly 
direction and enters the lake on lot thirty six, T. 5. 

Fay's Creek. — This is the most westerly stream in town, of 
note, north of the highlands, rises as all the others — in the- 
highlands — and after absorbing the waters of the numerous 
tributaries from springs empties into the lake on lot forty-two, 
T. 5. 

A number of streams of less note also empty into the lake, 
and some of them have been used more or less for the purpose 
of propelling machinery. 

The East Branch of Chautauqua Creek rises in the town of 
C/hautauqua, enters the town of Portland on lot fifty-three, T. 4, 
and after a circuitous coiu'se enters the town of Chautauqua 
again on lot 59, T. 4, near the southwest corner of Portland, 



32 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

and falls into the lake at Barcelona after uniting with the west 
branch a little south of the village of Westfield. 

Although the streams of water are few and small and scarcely 
subseiTe the purposes of necessary manufacture, large springs 
are numerous and furnish an abundance of pure water, enough 
for all the purposes and conveniences of life. Some of these 
burst with considerable energy fi'om the gravelly belt before 
spoken of, and furnisli water in large quanties during the 
whole year. Springs are also found in almost endless profusion 
upon the side hills or northern slope of the great water-shed, 
emanating fi'om nearly every depression and from the crevices 
of the out-cropping rocks. Water is also obtained by digging 
to a moderate depth. 

Lakes. — Portland is washed the entire extent of its northern 
border by the waters of lake Erie. Most of the beach is 
gravelly, but a portion of the distance is }»erpendicular rock 
which occasionally rises fi'om the surface of the lake to the 
hight of fi'om forty to fifty feet. Against this iron-bound 
shore in boisterous weather the waters of the lake dash with 
great violence, at times casting their spray far above the tops 
of the rocks. 

The water of the lake at this time is fi-om three to four feet 
higher than at the first settlement of the town. It was possible 
at that time to pass with facility and most of the way upon dry 
land, along the beach fi'om the west line of the town to Van- 
Bui'en Point near the northeast corner, a distance of more than 
eight miles. It is said that a difference of seven feet has been 
known to exist in the hight of the water, but of the particular 
cause of this rise and fall nothing is definitely known ; conjec- 
ture says "probably prevailing winds, unequal amounts of rain, 
and evaiDoration." There are no small lakes or ponds within 
the borders of the town. 

Climate. — The chmate of the town of Portland in common 
Avith that of the whole southern lake border is mild and salu- 
brious, the greatest range of the thermometer being from 
ninety five to ninety eight degrees to from three to five degrees 



THE TOWN Or PORTLAND. 33 

above the cipher <>f Farenheit, or zero. Occasionally, however, 
the mercury rises to one liiindi'ed and two degrees and falls as 
low as from three to five degi"ees below. The gentle breezes 
from the lake in the summer cool the atmosphere and render it 
delightful. Being' on the border of so large a body of water 
the climate is subject to sudden changes, and strong winds, 
mostly from the west and south, in certain seasons of the year 
are frequent. 

Frosts seldom come so early in the fall as to prove a damage 
to vegetation or to maturing crojjs, and the grass remains 
green until the falliug of the snows of winter. The tails of 
snow during winter are seldom heavy, but usually coming in 
connection with the strong w^esterly winds it is thrown into 
huge drifts and often to an extent interfering with travel. 



84 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTEK V. 

Natural Geography continued — Geological Features — Rocks — The Portage Group — Gas 
Springs— Sulphur -priugs — Harbors — Forest Trees. 

Of the geological features and formations in the town we 
purpose to say but little. The rocks that underlie the whole 
town and that crop out here and there, belong to what is 
termed the " Portage Group of the New York System." Tliis 
group is composed of the Coshacjua Shales, Gardeau Flag 
Stones and Portage Sand Stones. The order of their arrange- 
ment is from below upward, the whole formation dipping 
slightly towards the south. The upper strata, or Portage sand 
stone, lies below the coal fields of Pennsylvania ; in fact tlie 
highest series of rocks in this state form the floors of the coal 
measures of that state, rendering the idea of the existence of 
coal at any point within the bounds of this state as visionary. 
The sand stone of this Portage group is the stone mostly used 
for building purposes, and is quarried in various places ; and of 
this stone is formed most of the cellars in town and the original 
bridges and culverts of the Lake Shore railroad. The veins 
are of various thickness, from' a few inches to three or four feet. 
The strata in this town, however, are of uneven surface, not 
unifornti in thickness and not as well adapted for building 
purposes as those from the quarries of the town of Pomfret 
and of some other localities. 

The flagging is obtained in very limited quantities and 
occupies but a small space between the other strata. 

The lower strata, or Portage Shale, crops out largely in 
various localities but principally along the border of the lake, 
and in some places forms the bed of the lake for a considerable 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 35 

distance. This stone is worthless for building purposes, 
crumbling into fragments after a short exposure to tlie atraos 
phere. Of the thickness of these strata little can be told, and 
it can only be determined accnrately by drilling. 

An occasional limestone boulder is found upon the surfaci' 
or imbedded in the soil, but not in sufficient quantities to be 
made practically available. 

Drift, including loose deposits of boulders, gravel, sand and 
clay, is found in most parts of the town, and in some parts the 
rocks are covered with it to the depth of many feet. The 
peculiar chai'acter of this drift, the forms in which it is found, 
and the j30sition it occupies, all give evidence of some great 
general moving power which existed after the stratified rocks 
were lifted from their original beds, ages before the present 
order of things was instituted. It is evident that in this 
town and also along the whole southern shore of lake Eiie the 
whole lake country, as it is termed, at some remote period 
formed a part of the bed of the lake or some vast inland sea. 
and that the action of the waters of this lake had much to do 
in the formation of the various drifts now fomid ; but in 
many places, evidently, they have been formed more recently 
by the agency of streams, atmosjDhere and frost. 

Oas Springs. — A 'very peculiar geological feature of the 
town is the springs of carburetted hydrogen gas found in 
several places along the border of the lake. This, however, is 
not a feature at all confined to this town, but the springs are 
found over the whole lake region from Erie, Pennsylvania, to 
Cattaraugus creek on the east. These springs have their origin 
in the strata of shale of the Portage group of rocks, tlie gas 
being evolved through the fissiu-es. In various places along 
the beach it bubbles up through the water <f.the lake from 
twenty tc^ sixty feet from the shore. But one spring of this 
character in town has been utilized. Some years since, J. E. 
Harris, living on lot thirty-two, T. 5, obtained a supply of this 
gas from the rocks on the bank of Dunham's creek, conveyed 
it to his house but a few feet distant, and it was used for 



36 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

lighting the house for several years- Rev. T. L. Harris pro- 
poses to utilize a large spring coming iij) from the bed of the 
lake thirty or forty feet from the shore and directlj^ oj^posite 
his residence on lot twenty-two, T. 5. From unmistakable 
indications there is no doubt but a large supply, sufficient for 
illuminating purposes, might be obtained with but little 
expense at any point along tlie lake, and possibly for heating- 
purposes also. 

Sulphur Springs. — These are found at various points in 
town and undoubtedly come up from the same source as thj^ 
gas — the shales of the Portage group of rocks. Some are 
vei*y strongly im^Dregnated with sulphur and have been 
resorted to by invalids for the medicinal qualities they are 
supposed to possess. The strongest spring is one upon the 
farm of Charles H. Warner, on the southeast part of lot twenty- 
one, T. 5, a little north of Brocton and not far from the railroad 
station of that name. The peculiar scent may be detected for 
many rods from the spring. 

At many places along the lake the gas and water emanate 
from the steep surface of the rocks, the water trickling in rivu- 
lets to the lake, lea^^ng a sulphiuy deposit upon the stones 
and gravel the whole distance. 

Harbors. — The waters of the lake are shallow for some dis- 
tance from the shore the whole extent of the lake border in 
town with the excejDtion of the northeast corner, rendering all 
safe approach by vessels impossible. The east line of the town 
strikes the lake about half a mile east of VanBuren Point, 
leaving about one-third of the bay of that name within the 
limits of the town of Portland. Within this bay the water is 
sufficient in depth to float any lake craft very near the shore. 
In the winter of 1836-7, during the speculation mania of those 
years that so largely joervaded the whole country ami proved 
the ruin of so many who " made haste to be rich," a pier was 
built from the central portion of the bay, about two hundred 
feet long, by a company of capitalists and others having then- 
place of business at Fredonia, in this county. A warehouse of 



. THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 37 

ample dimensions was also erected and every facility for the 
transaction of business] secured. But within the next two 
years the excessive pressure fi-om exaggerated and inflated 
business transactions brought back the good sense ot the peo 
])]e and the prospect of a near realization of the advantages of 
the harbor and the facilities for business it seemed to afford 
had to be abandoned, and the whole transaction faded away 
almost as rapidly as it had been brought into existence. The 
harbor is good, and with a little expense might be made a 
slielter from nearly every wind ; but from the nearness of 
Dunkirk on the east and Erie on the west with the facilities for 
business and transit by railroads, it is not at all pioljable that 
it will ever be made useful or subserve the purposes of com- 
mercial transactions. 

Forest Trees. — Previous to 1805 the entire surface of the 
town was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and particu 
larly was this so from the lake to tlie foot of the liighlands, a 
distance of about three miles. The first encroachment uj)on 
that wilderness was made that year by Captain James Dunn, 
and the warfare continued with unceasing energy until within 
the last few jears. The anxiety of the early settlers to burn 
and destroy the timber from the surface, and by every means 
in their power free the land fi'om the encumbrance, is only 
equaled by the anxiety of the present occupants to preserve the 
remains of this stately growth fi'om entire destruction. 

After tlie erection of sawmills and for many years thereaftei', 
lumber was sold for from three to five dollais per thousand 
feet and was often a drug at that. Lumber at the above prices, 
and black salts manufactured from the aslies of burnt timber, 
were for many years almost the only means of liquidating 
claims and furnishing the necessaries of life ; the lattei' being 
the only means of obtaining money to satisfy the demands of 
the tax-gatherer on his annual rounds. 

Cypi'ess or whitewood, cucumber, hemlock and l)each ]>re 
dominated, while many other varieties usually found growing 
in connection with the above were in ^eat abundance. The 



38 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



first three varieties often grew to a very great size. Walnut 
maple, chestnut, birch, cherry, oak and elm were also found in 
some localities. The indigenous plum tree was found in pro 
fusion, that yielded a fruit of very agreeable flavor riiiening 
late in the fall. No pine timber grew within the limits of the 
town. Upon the side hill or uj^on the ridge very little of 
cypress was found, but the whole was covered with a heavy 
growth, similar to that of the lake belt, yet somewhat lighter 
with a thick underarrowth. 



THK TOWN or PORTLAND. 39 



CHAPTER VI. 

Natural Geography continued — Natural Curiosities and Scenery — The Oa-sca den— View 
from the Highlands — View from the I;ake, South — Natural Scenery. 

There are very few attractions in this town that would 
appropriately range under this head- There are no yawning 
caverns or fi'iglitful gulfs, precipices steep or silver lakes to 
attract the attention oi' charm the sight. Two cascades, how- 
ever, are found in Slippery Rock creek that present a beautiful 
appearance during high water. One is half a mile noith of 
Brocton. on tlie northwest ])art of lot twenty-one, T. 5, on 
lands of T. L. Harris. The water falls over rough and craggy 
rocks a distance of twenty feet, forming a perfect sheet of 
snowy foam. The other is at the mouth of the creek, the 
water falling a distance of fifteen to twenty feet over a steep, 
nigged rock, then rushing with great force in a sheet of foam 
down a rock}- declivity to the lake, a distance of eighty feet. 
The high overhanging bank on the west side of the fall and 
below is overgrown with evergreens and a thick growth of 
small shrubs, while on the east side a tree of rugged growth 
stands upon the brink with outstretched and ujolifted branches 
as if to catch with grateful emotions the health-giving mists 
that j'ise from the stream below. It is a beautiful retreat, and 
the traveler looks out as well upon the lake vtdth its sailing 
craft and towering steamers dotting the crystal waters. 

Fair stream, thou call'st me from the busy cares 
With which I am surrounded, and bid'st me 
For the time forget this fleeting life is 
J Full of evU. Thou makest me forget 

That all is not as bright and beautiful 
A.8 thine oyra fairy form, whilst thou in haste 
Art passing on to join old ErieS- tide. 



40 HiSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

View from the lllghlands. — From the summit of the 
hills oji the south the view of the lake and the intermediate 
counti-y is exceedingly beautiful. I^rom this elevation in 
the west part of the town may be seen tlie borough of 
Westfield, the village of Barcelona, the two villages, Brocton 
and Centerville, in the town of Portland ; and from a point 
farther east the boroughs of Fredonia an<l Dunkirk, and 
in a favorable state of the atmosphere the position and a 
dim outline of the city of Buffalo may be discerned in the 
far distance. The view of the lake dotted with vessels ol' 
various sizes and thei]- sails trimmed to the favoring breeze, 
the Lake Shoi-e lailroad for a distance of twenty miles with its 
trains of living fi'eight. or perhaps at intervals one or more 
laden with the commei'ce of the west or the oil}^ pioducts 
from the sonth, like Imge saurians moving their liiilky forms 
iu the distance — the Buffalo, Corry & Pittsburglj railroad 
winding its way amongst and over the hills — the busy scenes 
of an active and stirring population engaged in the A\aiio\is 
duties of farm life, is at once beautiful, charming and 
elevating. Its equal is seldom seen. The view from the lake 
border south, with the hills as a backgroimd, is scarcely less 
admirable and fascinating. These views, however, are not 
confined exclusively to the town of Portland, but extend, with 
variations, from the state line on the west to Cnttaraugus 
creek on the east. The inhabitants of the town, from their 
familiaiity, scarcely appreciate their favorable locality or the 
beauty and charm of the scenery with which they are sur- 
rounded. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



41 



CHAPTER VII. 

Natural Geography eontiTiued — Native \nimals found in the Town at the First 
Seftlemeut. 

We propose to barely mention the Dames of the native 
animals, those found here by the early settlers, saying nothing 
by way of description or with respect to their habits, as these 
are all well known by every one, if not from observation, from 
books of natural history. The immense and dense forests 
were highly favorable to the production of animal life, and 
they were the residence of a great variety and number of 
animals. They were fed by the production of a fertile soil, 
and unmolested except by a few armed only with a bow and 
aiTow. The principal of those found existing in the wilds of 
the now town of Portland were bear, wildcat, beaver, deer, fox, 
rabbit, porcupine, woodchuck. raccoon, muskrat, skunk, mink, 
weasel and squin-el. The first five of these have entirely 
disappeared, whilst the remainder are on such terms with civ- 
ilization as they are able to prociu'e. 



42 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 

View of the Town jirtWous to Settlement by the Whites — JCo Traces of Cultivation — 
No Traces of Indians or of Indian Life— The whole- Country Abandoned by them 
— Evidences of Early Civilized Life, Fortiticatious, &c. 

At the period of the advent of the earliest settler that 
portion of teiiitory now within the town of Portland was a 
wilderness of dense, heavy forests. *' No traces of cultivation 
enlivened the di-eary waste," and we suppose that it had 
remained, thus for a long succession of ages. When Capt. James 
Dunn explored the town in 1804 with a \-iew of settlement 
a;nd making for himself and family a home in the wilderness, 
this heavy growth of timber along the northern border, and< 
deep ravines made by the streams near theii- mouth, deteiTed 
him from locating near the lake, and he was of the opinion 
that the whole section could never be made available for agri- 
cultural purposes. He said to his wife before they anived on 
their new purchase in 1805 that they should always have 
plenty of land for their cows to browse over, as the whole of 
the land near the lake was covered with the richest herbage 
and could never be made use ot for anything else. Mr. Diuin 
made a good location for himself, but his estimate of the lake 
shore land was greatly at fault, as the many excellent farms 
along our northern border will attest. 

It is quite probable that oiu' forests were the haunts of 
savage life more or less, but there was not the least trace of 
aboriginal life within our borders found by the settlers, or 
the least evidence that the soil in any locality was ever occu- 
pied as planting ground by earlier inhabitants. It is tiaie 
that Indians were often seen by the settlers, and perhaps 



THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



43 



some of them had temporally lodgments \\-ithiii the to^vn, 
but they wei'e only wandering bands in search of game, 
having their piincipal location to the east or to the south ot 
Portland. The great aversion of the Indian to habits of 
industry, the heavy growth of timber upon our soil and the 
fact that the women performed the entire labor of cultivating 
the soil, are perhaps sufficient i-easons why the town was never 
a favorite resort for the red man except for the pTirjDoses of 
the chase. Those that occasionally visited the settlements, 
and on several occasions greatly alaimed A\'omen and childieu 
while alone in their cabins far away in the recesses of the 
forest were of that division ot the Iroquois confederacy 
called the Senecas, a poweiful tribe whose principal villages 
were on the Genesee river not far fi'om Irondequoit bay on lake 
Ontario. Their territoiy extended over the whole of the west 
ern part of the state. They were a constituent of a powerful 
nation and wielded a large intiuence in the confederacy in the 
days of its greatest glory ; but like the dew before the rising 
sun they are fast melting away and disaiDpeaiing before the 
influence of civilization. But a remnant remains and they 
are located upon the Cattaraugus and Alleghany Reservations 
and a few elsewhere. Those occasionally visiting Portland 
were inoffensive and harmless and disposed to ctdtivate the 
good vein of the settlers : came and went as they pleased and 
always manifested the most fiiendly intentions. The whole 
county also seems to have been abandoned by them or nearly 
so previous to the first settlements, or only used as hunting 
gi'ounds. " When the first white man. Col. James ]M^'Mahan, 
passed through the county in 1795, with a view to a I'esideuce, 
tliere was a small settlement of Indians on the Conevvango 
creek, in the present town of (Jarroll, on a farm since 
owned and occupied by Judge Preiidergast. This, it 
is believed, was the cmly settlement within oui' piesent 
limits— at least it is the only one of which we have any 
authentic account. There we)-e other tracts of smaller 
extent whirli bore marks of cultivation, and wliich had 



44 



msTOHICAL SKKTCHES OF 



been occupied as planting grounds at more remote periods. 
According to tradition derived from the Indians their ances- 
tors had nsed them for purposes oi tillage, but at what 
time is left entirely ,to conjecture. The forest trees which have 
since overgrown them furnish us no satisfactory answer to the 
inqiiiry. The cultivation, of which there arc only faint traces 
nearly obliterated by the hafid of time, was evidently resorted 
to merely for the purj-)oses of subsistence, as evidences of 
tillage for otht-r purposes, either in the traces which are left or 
in the character of the pe<jple who drew them, are wholly 
wanting. '" — W akren. 

But there are evidences within our borders, the remains of 
fortificatious bearing marks of gi-eat antiquity, that indicate 
the remote existence of nations far more civilized than the 
present races or any of the known tribes of North America. 
These fo7"tilications, or their remains, are found in various parts 
of our state, particularly from the ijiteriorto the western border. 
" There is a large olie in the town of Onondaga, one in Pompey 
and another in Manlius ; one in Camillus, eight miles from 
Auburn ; one in 8ci]>io, six miles, another one mile, and anothei- 
about half a mile from that village. Between tbe Seneca and 
Cayuga lakes there art- several — three within a few miles of 
each other. Near the village of Canandaigua theie are three. 
Ill a word, they ai'e scattered all over that country. These forts 
were, generally speaking, erected on the most commanding 
fj-roiinds- The walls or breastworks were earthen and the 
ditches were on the exterior of the works On some of the 
parapeirs oak trees were to be seen, which from the number of 
concentric circles must have been standing from one hundred 
and fifty to three hundred years ; and there were evident 
indications not only that they had sprung up since the 
creation of these works, but that they were at least a second 
growth. Thejienches were in some cases deep and wide, and in 
others shallow and narrow, and the breastworks ot various alti- 
tude from three to eight feet. They sometimes had one and 

sonietuaes two entrances, as was to be inferred by there being 



THK TOWN OF POltTl.AND. 4") 

no ditches at those plaees. When the works were protecte<l by 
a dee]) ravine, or a large Ktri-aai of water, no Jitcli was to be 
seen. The area of those forts varied fiom two to six acres, and 
the form was genernlly an irreu'ular elHpse : and in some of them 
fragments ot earthenware and jtnlverized substances siTp])osed 
to have been originally human bones w^ere to he found. These, 
fortifications, thus diffused over the interior of our countryj 
have been generally considered as supassing the skill, patience 
and industry of the Indian race, and various hypotheses have 
been advanced to prcjve them of European origin." — CriisiTON. 

" On the south side of lake Erie are a seiies of old fortifica- 
tions, fiom the Cattaraugus creek to the Pennsylvania line, a 
distance of fifty miles- Some are fi-om two to four miles 
apart, otliers less. Some contain five acres. The walls or 
breastworks are of earth, and they are generally on ground 
where there are appearances of creeks having once flowed into 
the lake, or where there was a l)ay. Hence it is inferred that 
these works were on the former margin of lake Erie, whence it 
has retreated from two to five miles north vrard." — [Mottltok. 

These old forts afford a certain evidence of a large and 
crowded population, settled in towULS which were defended b}' 
these forts, cultivating agriculture and commerce, and much 
further advan<-ed in (dvilization than those inhabiting the same 
regions at the time of the disco vej-y by Eiu'opeans. 

" They may be viewed as connecting links of a great chain 
which extenils beyond the (jo'nfines of this state, and becoming 
more magnificent and curious as we recede fiom the northern 
lakes, passes through Ohio into the great valley of the Missis- 
sippi, thence to the Gulf of Mexico, thi-ough Texas and SoTith 
America. In this vast range of more than three thousand 
• miles the monuments of ancient skill giadually become more 
remarkable for their number, magnitude and interesting vaiiety,. 
until we are lost ill admiration antl astonishment to find in a 
wo)ld we call new, ancient institutions, religious ideas and forms 
of edifices similar to those in Asia, which there seem to go back 
to the dawn of civilization." — [E.astm.vn. 



46 



HiSTOKiCAi, ski;tchks of 



This same scheme of a Kne of forts exteiKhiig across the con- 
tinent, along the great lakes and folh^wing the course of the 
great rivers to the gnlf of Mexico, was attempted b_v the f'rench 
diuing the seveiiteentli and eighteenth centuries : hut the 
gigantic enter])rise was brought to a sudden collapse by the 
fortunes of the conflict on the plains of Abraham Ix'tween the 
French and English on he 13th of September. l7o9. when 
the latter under Gen. Wolfe defeated the fornier imder Gen. 
Montcalm and force<l the cession of Canada and all the French 
possessions contiguous, to England by a definite treaty made 
in 1768. 

Concerning the authnis of these old fortifications we have 
not the least account. Conjecture only is busy with the 
question. Tiieir origin, their fortunes and the tremendous 
visitation tliat wrought their ruin have alike been consigned to 
oblivion. 

But the evidence referred t(^ as existing within the borders 
of Portland is the remains of an old fort on the west bank of 
Fay's creek, on the farm now owned by Mrs. Margaret D. 
Leach, on the central part of lot 88, T. 5. The main, or north 
Erie road, runs through tlie northern border, lea\ ing but tlie 
ancient wall or breastwork at the side of the carriage way. the 
balance being on the south of the road and including the 
garden and a part of the dooiyavd of Mrs. Leach. It was 
evidently built on the boi'der of some great inland sea, the 
waters of which then extended to the bluft" a short distance to 
the north of it. wliile a stream emi^tied into the sea within a 
few rods on the east. It was a heavy earthwork slightly ellip- 
tical in form and containing abcMit one acre. The breastworks 
have been so often subjected to the leveling influence of the 
plow and other imijlements of husbandry that it is now difficult 
to determine anything definite respec^ting them beyond the 
fact ot their existence. A large ma])le tree in the highway 
stands upon the northern wall. Various and curious specimens 
of earthen and stone pipes and utensils of various forms 
have been found within and around the walls. It is to be 



THK TOWN OS' PORTLAND. 47 

regi-etted that the fort and its suiToundings were not more 
thorouglily studied before the almost desecrating and destroying 
hand of the pioneer had so nearly leveled its walls and blotted 
its existence fi'om the tace of the earth. 

Old roadways are found in various i:)laces that evince a good 
degree of engineering'skill. They are well thrown up, and no 
doubt were important thoroughfares leading to and from large' 
towns or centers of jiopulation. Two of these no doubt have 
an antiquity coeval vidth the old fort, whilst those nearer the 
lake are evidently of more recent origin. The road leading from 
the site of the old stoue school house on tlie old Erie road, in 
S. Dist. No. 3, south to the foot of the hill, occupies the bed of 
an old road thrown up and occupied by a busy multitude, pos- 
ibly, two thousand years ago or more. Another roadway is 
found leading fi-om near the residence of A. B. Post on lot 4, 
T. 5, in a westerly direction to the creek near the saw mill of 
Earl Bacon. Another is found crossing the road leading to the 
lake from the brick church in West Portland, on Icrt -ll, T. 5. 
also in a westerly direction and intersecting one in the east 
border of the town of Westiield leading from the main or Erie 
road on lot 29, T. 4, R. 14. nearly to the lake. Excavations for 
the L. S. R. R. made it evident that these two were of artificial 
make. One of shorter extent is seen northwest of the village of 
Brocton, and between that village and Brocton station on the 
L. S. R. R. on a farm commonly known as the Budlong farm. 
Excavations in this have shown a bed of large stones covered 
deeply with earth and gravel. The course of this roadway was 
nearly due north and south. Another may be seen ranning 
from a point on the south road a few rods west of the former 
residence of Timothy Judson on lot 19, T. 5, in a northwesterly 
direction across the farm of William Becker and partly across 
the farm of J. L. Hatch. These two last named may be 
Bections of the same road. 

Of their origin and of the people who erected them, as with 
the origin of the old fort, we know nothing; but the mind nms 
back in wonder and amazement to the time when the town of 



48 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Portland was jierhaps even more densely populated than now. 
with an intelligent people engaged in the cultivation of the soil, 
in commerce and the arts and sciences, and with the means of an 
education for the masses as complete as at the present ; when 
towns and villas were interspersed here and there with a stir" 
ring population and the seat of many a happy home ; when 
"perhaps the lake was dotted as now with the white sails of a 
large inland commerce : its shores lined with marts of trade, 
and its promontories bristling with the means of defense. 

"We are prone to speak of om'selves as the inhabitants of a 
new world, and yet we are confronted with such evidences of 
antiquity ! We clear away the forests and speak familiarly of 
subduing a 'virgin soil,' and yet the plow upturns the skulls of 
those whose history is lost ! We say that Columbus discovered 
a new world. Why not say he helped make two old ones 
acquainted with each other ? Our advent here is but one of the 
changes of time. We are consulting dumb signs, inanimate 
and unintelligible witnesses, gleaning but unsatisfactory know- 
ledge of races that have preceded us. Who, in view of earth's 
revolutions and the developments that are made by the ' rapidly 
progressive science of geology,' will fail to ' reflect that our own 
race may not be exempt from the operations of what may be 
regarded as general laws ?' Who shall say that the scholar, the 
antiquarian of another far off century may not be a Champol- 
lion deciphering the inscriptions upon our monuments, — or a 
Stevens wandering among the ruins of our cities to gathei' 
relics to identify our existence '?" 

•' Since first the sunlight spread itself o'er earth ; 
Since chaos gave a thousand systems birth ; 
Since first the morning stars together sung : 
Sines first this globe was on its axis hung, 
Untiring change, with ever moving hand, 
Has waved o'er earth its more than magic wand." 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



49 



CHAPTER IX. 

Title — Grant of James 1st to Loudou Company in 1606 — Extent of the Grant — Plymouth 
Company Grants to North and South Virginia — New England — Attempts made to 
Settle New England — Given np as a Failure — Attempts Renewed — New Charter and 
New Company — Extent of its Charter — The tirst Absolute Transfer — The Puritan 
Fathers — Tht ir Claim under the the Council of Plymouth — Their Settlements, &c. 

Before proceeding fuiiher, or giving an account of the first 
and subsequent settlements of the to>vn of Portland, we propose 
to go back for a brief space and trace the title to the lands of 
the Holland Purchase, and of course of the town of Portland 
it being a part of that purchase, its origin and changes, and 
under which we as citizens claim and hold the homes we and 
our ancestors have reclaimed from the wilderness. 

James the first, King of England, claiming by right of discov- 
ery and otherwise a large proportion of the North American 
continent, granted letters patent in the year 1606 to the London 
Company, composed of " noblemen, gentlemen and merchants," 
and mostly lesidents in London ;' and to the Plymouth Com- 
pany, composed of " knights, gentlemen and merchants," and 
residing mostly in the west of England, all that portion of the 
(continent extending on the south from the mouth of Cape Fear 
river, in North Carolina, to Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, 
embracing eleven degrees of latitude, fi"om the thirty-fourth to 
the forty-fifth, inclusive, and from the Atlantic to tlie Pacific 
ocean. The operations proper of the London company were to 
be confined within the first four- degrees of latitude, fiom the 
thirty-foTU'th to the thirty eighth ; and the Plymouth com])any 
to the last four named degrees, or from the forty-first to the 
forty-fifth : nnd the intermediate territoiy was to be occupied 



50 HISTOiaCAL SKETCHES OF 

by both compauies, but each was prohibited from forming 
settlements or building forts within one hundi'ed miles of each 
other. This was an immense transaction, sinking into insigni- 
ficance the land grants by congress for railroad purposes of 
which so much has been heard. It is not at all probable that 
King James or any member of either company had the remotest 
idea of its extent. The area was but little less than two 
milUons six hundi-ed and fifty-six thousand and five hundi-ed 
square miles, or one billion seven hundi'ed millions and one 
hundred and sixty thousand acres ; including extensive plains, 
vast mountains, mighty livers, nearly the whole of our great 
inland seas, and the homes of himdreds of thousands of human 
beings. 

The two portions of this grant were named respectively North 
and South Virginia, but the northern portion was subsequently 
named Xew England by Captain John Smith of early Virginia 
notoriety, who sailed along the coast in 1G14 and penetrated 
some distance into the interior. For fomleen years after the 
date of the grant by King James in April, 1006, very little and 
in fact nothing was done toward settling the territory ceded to 
the Plymouth Company. 

Several attempts were made by the company and by others 
acting by their permission to establish a colony, each resiilting 
in failure, until the company became disheartened and refused 
to pursue ftirther tlie tlms far fruitless enterprise. Vast siuns 
of money had been advanced and lost, and the company, as 
such, abandoned the scheme of colonizing the new world. But 
notwithstanding all this, and that the affairs of the company 
liad come to a standstill, by the almost sui>erhuman exertions 
of the indefatigable John Smith their attention was again 
excited and turned toward their western possessions, and on 
Nov. 13th, 162U, a new charter was obtained for tlie piu'pose of 
settling the cormtry. "The original Plymouth Comjjany was 
superceded by the Council of Plymouth, to which was conveyed 
in absolute property all the territory lying between the fortieth 
and forty-eighth degrees of north latitude, extending from the 



THE TOWN l)F PORTLANI>. 51 

Atlantic to the Pacific ocean and comprising more than one 
milHon of square miles." That the extent of this grant may 
the better be understood by the reader, let him spread the map 
of ^the United States before him and examine carefully the 
various states and territories lying between the parallels named. 
It will be found to contain within its limits a large portion of 
Canada, New Brunswick, all of the New England states, New 
York, three-fourths of New -lersey, nearly the whole of Penn 
sylvania, one-half of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, all o{ Michigan, 
Iowa and Wisconsin, one-eighth of Missouri, seven-eighths of 
Minnesota, and then sweeping onward over vast plains and 
mountains to the Pacific, including one-fourth of California, 
three-fourths of Washington Territory and all of Oregon. This 
was the first absolute transfer of title in the new world north 
of the parallel of forty degrees, and the land titles within the 
state of New York and that jtortion known as the Holland 
Purchase, which includes the county of Chautauqua and of 
course the town of Portland, in a certain sense may l>e said to 
be derived from this patent. 

The exclusiveness granted to this company or council occa 
sioned many disputes, strong contentions and of coiu'se delays, 
until it seemed that this comjiany also was doomed to be a 
faihu'c and their acquired territories to remain as a sealed b<Jok 
for all time. But w^hile the council and those to whom lands 
had been granted were engaged in disputes and conflicts, 
mostly on account of conflicting or snp[>osed conflicting claims, 
the Puritan Fathers, moving no doubt under the guidance of 
an allwise Providence, after various delays and being refused 
permission to emigrate to South Virginia, obtained the tacit 
consent of King .lames and some sort of privileges under the 
council, pecuniarily severe and exacting but liberal with respect 
to tolerance of opinion and rights and liberties of conscience. 
l)lanted the colony of Xew PlyuKjuth and the germ, of an 
emjjire. 

The Puritans having obtained a fii-m footing in the new 
world, an impetias was at once given to emigiation. and in due 



52 HISTOJIICAI. SKKTCHES OF 

timt' other colonies, from or on account of it were foiined in 
various parts of New England and were rapidly pushed west 
ward until they reached the Hudson river, where they were 
intercepted by the Dutch operating from New Netherlands, 
now New York. Here the English settlements were perraa 
nently inteiTui>ted and stayed by the Dutch, who claimed the 
territory in opi)osition to the Plymouth Council until the year 
1664, when they ceded their territory to the English crown. 
Chai'les II., who was then king, granted the same to his brother, 
the Duke of York, and it thereafter took the name of New 
York. This grant included also New Jersey. We will not 
stop to define the boundaries of this grant ; suffice it to say 
that they were sufficiently indefinite bnt inchided the territory 
known as the Holland Purchase. Here then were two con- 
flicting claims to the same territory : Massachusetts, by virtue 
of the grant to the Plymouth Council, still claimed title as 
against New York, and the result was a proh^nged controversy 
respecting the rival claims which was not finally compromised 
until after the revolution. 

In 1781 the state of New York, and in 1785 the state of 
Massachusetts, granted to the United States certain lands in 
this state, — a part of the lands in dispute, — but these grants, 
though they diminished the extent, did not cover the whole 
territory in dispute as between these states ; there still remained 
about nineteen thousand square miles. The dispute was 
settled, however, very soon after the revolutionary war by a 
convention of commissioners appointed by the parties and held 
in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, December 16. 1786. 

" According to the stipulations entered into by the conven- 
tion, Massachusetts ceded to the state of Ncav York all her 
claims to the government, sovereignty and jiTrisdiction of all 
the territory lying west of the present east line of the state of 
New York : and New York ceded to Massachusetts the pre 
emption right or fee of the land, subject to the title of the 
natives, of all that part of New York lying west of a line begin 
ning at a point on the north line of Pennsylvania eighty-two 



THK TOWN OF POHTLAND. 53 

miles west of the northeast corner of said state, and running 
from thence due nortli through Seneca lake to lake Ontario ; 
excepting and reserving to the state of New York a strip of 
land east ot and adjoining the eastern bank of the Niagara 
river one mile wide and extending its whole length. 

" The land the preemption light of which was thus ceded, 
amounted to about six millions of acres." 

Tracing the origin, history and final settlement of the various 
differences and claims with reference to these earlier land titles, 
it appears that the title of nearly the whole of western New 
York never vested in this state, but in the state of Massachu- 
setts, and dating back to 1620. 

Early in 1 788 a comj^auy was fonned of several gentlemen 
of wealth and eminence, for the pui chase of these lands fi'om 
the state of Massachusetts. Nathaniel Gorham of Charlestown, 
Middlesex county, and Oliver Phelps of Granville, Hampshire 
county, of that state, were members of that company and 
authorized to 'act as agents. In April of that year a contract 
was entered into by these agents, acting, however, in their own 
names, and a committee appointed by the general comt or 
legislature of Massachusetts, by which that state conveyed it? 
preemption right to all lands in western New York, amounting 
to over six milli(jns of acres, for one million of dollars. It 
should be borne in mind that the Indian title had not as yet 
been extinguished, but every conveyance up to this time con 
tained a proviso looking to the extinguishment of the aborig 
inal interests. 

« 

, After this purchase the pnjprietois j)roceeded at once to the 
fulfillment of this portion of their contract; and in .Inly of that 
same year (1788), within three months Irom the date of their 
contract, they obtained by treaty with the Indians their title 
to two millions six hundred thousand acres of the eastern 
portion of the purchase from Massachusetts. This ctmvention 
was held in Buffalo, then an inconsidei-able town of two or 
three log houses. It was then called Buffalo Creek. Mr. 
Phelps, accompanied by Mr. Hugh Maxwell as survoyoi-. had 



o4 HIST()l;i(!.\l. SKKTCHKS OF 

made an attempt at iieyxjtiatioii with tho Indians on the 12t]i 
of May previous at KaiiadasaL^a, now Geneva, but as the Indians 
were not fully and in fact Imt in part represented, an adjourn- 
ment was agreed ujxm and tlu- council above named was held 
in pursuance of such adjouinTnent. 



TIIK TOU'N 01' POKTI.ANO. 55 



CHAPTER X. 

Title coutiuued— Indians refuse to sell all their title— Purchase of Mill-site Tract— 
Rochester built on that Tract — Indian Name of Mr. Phelps— Description of the 
Tract — Failure to meet Engagements by Phelps and Gorham — Eeconveyance to 
Massachusetts — Purchase of the same by Robert Morris. 

Mr. Phelps proposed the purchase of all the lands of 
the Indians, conveyed by Massachusetts, but they were 
unwilling to sell their interest west of the Genesee liiver, 
giving as a reason that the Great Spirit had indicated to 
them that that river was forever to be a boundary line 
between them and the whites. Mr. Phelps resorted to 
every form of argument to induce them to withdi-aw 
their objections, but finding them immovable he pro 
posed that as he could not jDrevail on them to part 
with their lands west of the river as a whole; they 
should sell him a small tract on that side, at the great 
fall, large enongh for a mill seat and the conveniences of 
such an estabhshraent ; rej^resenting that it would not 
only be convenient to the whites coming into the country, 
but to the Indians themselves. "The Indians then asked 
him how much land he wanted for his mill seat. He 
replied that he thought a piece about twelve miles wide, 
extending from Canawagus village on the west side of the 
river to its mouth (about twenty-eight miles) would answer 
his purpose. To this the Indians replied that it seemed 
to be a good deal of land for a mill seat, but as they 
supposed the Yankees knew best what was required, they 
j would let him have it. After the treaty was concluded 
the Indians told Mr. Phelps that it being customary for 
them to give the man with whom they dealt, a name, they 



56 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

woiild give liim one. They also said they should expect 
from him a "treat," and a walking staff, (meaning spirits) 
to hel}) them home. The name they gave ^Ir. Phelps on 
this occasion was that by which he was afterward known 
among them, viz., 8caw-gun-se-ga, which translated is, the 
'Great Fall.' Upon this piu'chase is situated the city of 
Rochester." [Judge Porter. 

The western boiuidary of this territory ^ to which the 
Indian claim was thus extinguished, was the Genesee 
River from the mouth to the mouth of the Cannaseraga 
Creek, thence by a line running due south to the 
Pennsylvania line. To this was to be added the mill seat 
tract. In consequence of a failure on the part of ]Mr. 
Phelps and Mr. Gorham in 1789 and 1790 to fulfill the 
terms of their contract with the state of Massachusetts, 
for causes not necessary to mention here, that state com- 
menced a prosecution of the company of which Phelps and 
Gorham were agents, and their securities, which resulted in 
a compromise and a reconveyance March 10th 1791, by 
them to the state of Massachusetts of all the territories 
conveyed to them except that of which they had extin- 
guished the Indian title, which conveyance amoimted to 
about two-thirds of the original j^iu-chase. 

In the winter of 1791, Robert Morris, of the city of 
Philadelphia, bemg desirous of piu'chasing the interest of 
the state of Massachusetts in the lands in the state of 
New York that had been reconveyed to that state by 
Phelps and Gorham, engaged the services of Samuel 
Ogden as his agent in the matter of such a purchase, 
Mr. Ogden held a conference with a committee of the 
legislatui-e of the state of Massachusetts, specially appointed 
for the purpose of such negotiation, and on the 12th 
day of March of the year 1791, the committee contracted 
to convey to the agent of Mr. ]Morris all their lands in 
the state of New York except the tract of about two 
millions six hundi-ed thousand acres ceded by ]Massa- 



i 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 57 

chiisetts to Phelps and Gorbam, and the mill seat tract 
before spoken of. This was simply a contract, and in 
conformity with its stipulations the state of Massachu- 
setts by its committee conveyed to Mr. Morris on the 
11th day of ^Nlay 1791, the whole of said tract of land, 
and the acts of the committee were, ratified by the Leg- 
islature on their assembling in the following June. 

The conveyance of this land was by five separate deeds 
and it will be well to give a descrij^tion of each tract, 
that a more definite idea may be obtained of the real 
extent of the original Holland Purchase in the state, and 
that a better understanding may be had of the trans- 
actions that followed. 

The first of these deeds included all the land on the 
said tract east of a line running due north from the 
north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, commencing 
twelve miles west of the southwest corner of ' the Phelps 
& Gorham tract. This tract contained* or Avas supposed 
to contam about five hundi'ed thousand acres. 

The second deed included a strij) of land from the 
north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, and west of 
the last named tract, sixteen miles wide. 

The third deed included a strip of land fi'om the 
north hne of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, sixteen miles 
wide, and lying west of that included m deed number two. 

The fourth deed included also a strip of land fi-om 
the north line of Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario, sixteen 
miles wide, and lying next west of that included in deed 
number three. 

The fifth and last deed included all the land west of 
that described in deed number four, in the state of New 
York and owned by ^lassachusetts. The number of acres 
included in the last four deeds was about three millions 
three hundi-ed thousand. ^Massachusetts reserved of these 
one luidivided sixteenth part, to satisfy a demand of Mr. 
John Butler, who had contracted for the whole tract i^re- 



58 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

vions to the reconveyance by Phelps & Gorham to Massa- 
chusetts. Mr. Butler however assigned his right to Mr. 
Morris before the execution of the deeds, thus making the 
pui'chase of jVIr. Morris complete. In the subsequent trans- 
sactions of SIi'. Morris with the Holland Company he 
reserved all the lands embraced in the fii'st of the five 
deeds before spoken of, as executed by Massachusetts to 
him, and it thereafter took the name of Morris' Reserve. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 59 



CHAPTER XI. 

Title coutiuiied — Title iu Mr. Morris — Lauds conveyed by Mr. Morris to the Hol- 
land Company — Various clianges referred to — Another conveyance of the whole 
Tract — Title again in the Original Company — Four seiiarate Interests — The 
Extinguishment of the Indian Title — Beservatious — Last transfer of Lauds in 
Chautauqua County. 

We have now come to a point where the preemption 
title of what is familiarly known as the Holland Company's 
lands in New York vested in Robert Morris. These lands 
were within the next two years conveyed by Mr. Morris 
and wife by four separate deeds to five distinct companies. 
The names of those named in the first conveyance were 
Heiman Le Roy and John Linklaeii; second, Herman Le 
Roy, John Linklaen and Gerrit Boon ; third, Herman Le 
Roy, John Linklaen and Gerrit Boon ; fourth, Herman Le 
Roy, William Bayard and Matthew Clarkson. These persons 
however were but trustees of the interests of certain cap- 
italists in Holland, Europe, who furnished the funds for 
the several purchases made. This was made a necessary 
proceeding, as they were aliens, and according to the laws 
of the state could not hold real estate in their OAvn 
names. 

After various changes of trustees and several transfers 
of portions of land of more or less magnitude, which it 
is not necessaiy to repeat, and all of which from time to 
time received thie sanction of the legislatm-e of the state ; 
another conveyance of the whole tract was made by the 
trustees by three separate and distinct deeds, to three 
comj^anies or individuals who represented the three branches 
of the Holland Company. Again several conveyances, trans 



60 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OK 

fers and assignments followed, until tlie title settled in Dec. 
1798 into the five original Dutch trustees, by assignment of 
Paul Busti, who had acted for some time as general agent 
of the company. These gentlemen were ever afterward 
kno^ii as the Holland Comi)any. Their names were as fol- 
lows : Wilhem Willink, Xicholaas Van Staphorst, Pieter Van 
Eeghen, Hendriek Vollenlioven, Kutger Jan Schimmel- 
penninck. 

The interests of the three separate divisions of proprie. 
tors before spoken of, were so intimately united or 
blended that their affairs were placed under the control 
of one general agent, as though there existed no separate 
interests ; in fact none did exist, practically, as far as the 
purchaser was concerned, the books of the company 
being the only means of distinguishing the amounts of 
the separate interests. 

At the time of the sale of these lands by Kobert 
Morris to the Holland Company in 1792-3, the Indian 
title had not been extinguished. The transaction, how- 
ever, was accompanied by an agreement on the part of Mr. 
Morris to extinguish that title ; the company exerting its 
influence and lending its aid to bring about the result. 

After due notice and agreement, a council of the 
Seneca nation was held at Genesee on the Genesee River, 
in September 1797, at which the aboriginal title to the 
lands in question was transferred to the com})any except 
eleven reservations specially desig-nated and described, 
amounting in tlie aggregate to three luindred and thirty- 
eight square miles; and amongst which were the Catta- 
raugus and Alleghany Peservations, each containing forty- 
two square miles. These two are mentioned as being of 
more interest to the local reader. 

One other transfer of a part of the company's lands we 
will refer to before leaving the matter of title. Forty-one 
years from the time the title fully vested in the Holland 
Company, in the year 1838, the company by their agent, John 



THE TOWN OK rOKTI. AND. 61 

J. Van Derkemp acting under a power of attorney, conveyed 
all their imsold lands in the county of Chautauqua to 
John Duer, Morris Robinson and Wni. H. Seward, in 
wlioni the title remained till recently, exce^tting sucli 
parts and parcels since sold and conveyed. At this ui-iting 
there are less than eight hundred acres raisold in the 
county, and none iii the town of Portland. 

It is not the design of the compiler to pursue farther 
the investigation with reference to title; the only object 
of thus far pursuing it being to make plain the prominent 
facts with reference to the general changes that have taken 
place fi'om the time of tlie grant by James I. King of 
England, in 1606, to the vesting of title of lands in wes- 
tern New York in the Holland Company ; that the reader 
may have a knowledge of what is not very generally 
imderstood with reference to these titles, and wherein 
rests the title and security of the many happy homes in the 
town of Portland and of all western New York. 



62 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OK 



CHAPTER XII. 

Surveys— Joseph EUicott Surveyor— His fitness for the work— Augustus Porter 
Surveyor for Eobert Morris — Lines run around the whole tract — Eastern boundary 
determined in 1798 — Eauges and Townships, Lots and Kesorvations Surveyed 
— Size of each — Chautauqua Surveyed into Townships and Lots — Laud Olfice 
located at Mayville— No. of Ranges and Townships in this county. 

We shall not enter into a description of the ' surveys 
of the lands of the company which followed immediately 
upon the extinguishment of the Indian title, excej^t so 
far as it may seem necessary, and to a fair understand- 
ing of the same in our own county and town. We will 
however notice some of the more prominent facts with 
reference to them, and as fast as is consistent with the 
original design narrow downi our investigations. 

In 1797, Theopholus Cazenove was the general agent 
of the Holland Company, and resided in the city of Phil- 
adelphia. In July of that year, and preceding the 
exting-uishment of the Indian title, he engaged the ser- 
vices of Mr. Joseph Ellicott as chief surveyor of the 
company's lands. Mr. Ellicott had been engaged more or 
less in the service of the U. S. Government, and had 
under the direction of the Secretary of War in 1791 run 
the line between Georgia and the Creek Indians, and 
was a man eminently fitted for the position he was des^ 
fined to occupy v^dth reference to the company and its 
affairs for the remainder of his life, or until disease com 
pelled him to relinquish the active duties of life and 
seek in retirement to recuperate the worn out energies of 
his active mind and body. 

As soon as the result of the treaty held at Geneseo 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. G3 

was known, Mr. Ellicott in compjuiy witli Augiistus Porter 
as suiweyoi- on the part of ^Ir. ^lorris, commenced a 
survey to ascertain the amount of land, in tlie whole 
tract secured to the comj^any, beginning at the northwest 
corner of the mill seat tract, twelve miles west of the mouth of 
the Genesee lliver, and following the shore of Lake Ontario to 
the mouth of the Niagara River, thence along the east 
bank of that river to Lake Erie, thence along the soutli 
shore of Lake Erie through the now towns of Hanover, 
Sheridan, Dunkirk, Pomfret, Portland, Westfield and Rip- 
ley in the coimty of Chautauqua to the line between the 
state of Xew York and Pennsylvania ; this being a meridian 79^ 
50^ west from Greenwich and numing diie south from the west 
end of Lake Ontario. The survey was successfidly accomplished 
thus far by the loth of November following. In the sum- 
mer of 1798 the eastern boundary line of the tract was 
determined by Mr. Ellicott. Owing to various difficulties 
and the necessity of accuracy in establishing this line, but 
eighty-one and a half miles were surveyed and established 
on the 22d day of November, at the close of operations 
for the season. There are no known data by whicli to 
determine the time when this line was completed. AVlien 
this line Avas being run and afterward, other parties oi 
surveyors were engaged under the direction of Mr. Ellicott 
in siirveying the tract into ranges, townsliips and lots, 
and determining the boundaries of the various Indian res- 
ervations, necessarily but very imperfectly defined at the 
execution of the treaty in September 1797. This work was 
accomjdished or nearly so at the close of the season in 
1800. The ranges of townships were run fi'om south to 
north, and nimiber fifteen ; the townships run from east to 
west. Tliey were six miles square or as nearly 
so as it was possible to make them considering the various 
offsets, and streams that were encountered, and each 
was divided into sixty-four lots each of which was intended to 
contain three hundred and sixty acres though varying often 



64 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

for the same causes given for varying the size and form of 
some of the toAvnships. There is a large diiference in the 
size of the lots 'in the town of Portland, as may be seen 
by referring to the table on page 29. The territory now con- 
tained in the present county of Chautauqua was surveyed 
into townships in the year 1800, and between that date 
and 1810 the various townships were surveyed mostly 
into lots by \\'illiam Peacock, who at the latter date 
received the appointment of local agent and established 
an office in Mayville. Within the county of Chautauqua 
there are six ranges of townships containing twenty-seven full 
and six parts of townships, the last formed by 
the irregularities of the bomidaries on the northern border. 
The first office for the sale of lands by the 
comjjany was opened at liatavia in the year 1801, and 
those' locating within the county previous to 1810 were 
obliged to make their application there. 



TIIK TOWTs' 01' POUTLANl). 65 



CHAPTER XIII. 

8ettlemeuts — First Settlenieuts in the County — Settlement of each town in the 
County in their order. 

Before proceeding to notice the first and eai'ly settle- 
ments of the town of Portland specially, it will be neces- 
sary in order to a full and fair understanding- of their 
progress, or at least interesting, to consider in brief the 
progress of settlements in ihe various portions of the 
county. The settlement of the coiuity was rapid, almost 
unprecedented, from the first attempt to the outbreak of 
the war of 1812 and for many years after its close. 
The western part of the Purchase had gained a reputa- 
tion for richness of soil and salubrity of climate, long 
before it was placed in market or even surveyed, second 
to no region of equal extent. This was the earliest per- 
sonal recollection of the writer, and on his removal to the 
comity in 1827 he found his early impressions and expec- 
tations more than realized. Strong ai'ms and earnest hopes 
exercised for long years ; jtrivations and sufieiings of 
which their descendants have faint conce})tions however, 
were necessary before the full fruition of their hopes could 
be realized by the hardy pioneers. Many of them with 
whom he has since become acquainted removed with their 
own teams from some of the New England states, and the 
slow plodding ox-team at that, driving a cow or two, a 
few sheep, and possibly other stock, grown upon the old 
homesteads where their fathers aud perhaps theii* grand- 
fathers lived and died: and the childi'en, sous and daugh- 



<)6 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

ters, and possibl}' tlu'ir wives relievini^ tlie uver-<lnveii 
team by tnidgiiig along on foot. 

The whole country was covered by a dense forest of 
gigantic trees witli luxuriant undergrowth, and of necessity 
the ))rogress of improvement by the settler was slow 
and toilsome : but by a ligid course of industry and 
economy his success as a general rule was certain, and 
he obtained a title to liis land and siuTounde<l liimself 
and family with the comforts of life, and often with luxu- 
ries that wealth only can bestow. With some he has 
conversed who were pioneers of the town of l*ortland who 
spent their last dollar in reaching the land of i)romise, 
and entered their laud at the office "by the payment of 
a single Spanish quarter, their open," honest countenances 
being theu" only endorsers." A certain amount of improve- 
ment however Avas required in each case, which was sure 
to be made in diie season. It is gratifying that such 
men succeeded. Through their exertions hterally the "wil- 
derness Avas made to blossom as the rose;" and those 
who have not passed to "that bourne whence no 
traveler returns," are enjoying the fruit of their labors 
smroimded h\ an abundance of the good things of life, 
and are going down at last with the honest and com- 
forting reflections of a well spent life. 

It is proposed to refer next to the first settlement of 
the comity at Westtield, and afterward briefly to the first 
settlement of each toym in the county, asking the reader 
to remember that at the time of such first settlement not 
one of the towais had its present boundaiies or was 
knoAvn by the name it now bears : but they are given in 
order that the mind may the more readily take in a 
knowledge of the various locations. In some instances it 
has been extremely difficult to ariive at the facts with ref- 
erence to names and dates, but it is believed that the 
statements are are all of them coiTCct. James McMahan 
was the first white settler of the coimty of Chautauqua- 



THE TOAV?^ OK PORTLAND. 67 

He was a native of Xovtlnimberlantl county, Pennsylvania, 
and first passed tlirongh this county in 171)5, having in 
\ie\\ a residence somewhere on the lake border. lie event- 
ually located a tract in Haibor Creek, Erie county, Penn- 
sylvania, farm now owned and occuj^ied in |)art by 
Joseph Y. Moorehead, and returned to his liome in Noith- 
uniberland county. The next jeav he came to his new 
purchase, cleared a piece of ground of a few acres in 
extent, sowed it to wheat, built a log hoi;se, and again 
returned. The next year, 1707, he left his old home, and 
with Iris family, a wife and one child, after days of toil 
and hardship took possession of his "Settler's Palace" in 
the midst of a then almost unbroken ^\dlderness. Two 
other families came with him, Joseph McCord, a brother- 
in-law, and Thomas Robinson. The log house of Mr- 
McMahan stood very nearly on the groimd now occupied 
by the brick house of Mr. Moorehead. He remained on 
this purchase until qiute early in the spring of 1802, 
when from some defect in title he felt obliged to leave 
it and again commence a home in the wilderness. In 
anticipation of the result of the controversy in regard to 
title then going on in respect to lauds in western Penn- 
sylvania, he had previously selected a tract of land a little 
west of the present village of Westfield, land in ])art now 
owned by \Vm. Vorce, which he eventually contracted for 
and occupied early in the spring of 1802. In the fall he 
removed his family to this ne'V purchase. Edward 
McHenry, also from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, 
moved his family on to an adjoining tract of land the 
same season, in fact before the family of Mr. Mc^Mab.an 
removed from Harbor Creek, but McMahan had himself 
been upan the ground for some months, erected a log 
house, cleared a piece of land and planted it to corn; 
thus fairly earning the honor of being the founder of a 
republic now numbering nearly sixty thousand soids. John 
^McMahan, an elder bj-other of James, and who was 



68 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OE 

aftei-\vard the first supei-visor of the old town of Chau- 
tauqua, came to Chautauqua Creek in 1803 ; and Arthur 
Bell and James Montgomery the same year. The fore- 
sroiner is a coiTect statement in few words with reference 
to the first settlement of the county. The facts have 
been obtained from the most reHable soui-ces ; in fact 
most of them were obtained fi'om "Mr. McMahau himself 
many years since by Hon. E. T. Foote, and at the time 
placed upon record by him, and to him the wiiter is 
indebted for many of the facts mentioned. Mr. McMahan 
died at Westfield, Dec. IS, 1846, aged 76 years. 

Note. — The story that in 1794 a few families from Permsylvania, and among 
them the "Lowry brothers" came to this county and sojourned for a few years ; 
and which gained considerable credence and found a place in the statements cf 
two or three writers, has no foundation in fact. It is well known that Georgt- 
Morrow and Alexander Lowry came into the county much later than the McMa- 
hans, as late as 1809. The statement made in Turner's History of the Holland 
Purchase, and repeated by some other writers, that Amos Sottle was the first 
settler of the county, on the Cattaraugus bottoms, has as little foundation in 
truth. The facts are simply these : In 1798, Sottle or Sawtell, was engaged as an 
axman and attached to the surveying party running the Range lines of the Pur- 
chase. He was a resident of Chenango county, this state. The returns of the 
Surveyor show his residence and his occupation. The Pay KoU shows the same 
facts. After leaving the surveying party in 1799 or 1800 he went to the Xorth-west 
Territory, where he remained several years. After his return to Cattaraugus he 
married a very dark squaw and lived among his dusky friends. His name can- 
not be found in connection with any land sales of the HoUand Company imtil 
1806. It is more than probable that he did not return from the Northwest 
Territory until about that date. It is to be hoped that that important event, 
the first settlement of the county, will no longer rest in the public mind in con- 
nection with the parties named in this note. The stories have no foundation 
in facts. [Hon. E. T. Foote. 

Pomfret: — Was settled at Canidaway, now Fredonia. in 
1804, by David Eason and Thomas McCKntock fi-om 
Pennsylvania. In that and the following year a number 
of familes settled there, and amongst them Low ^Nlinegar. 
Zattu dishing, Samuel Gear and Hezekiah Barker. 

Dunkirk: — The western part of the town of Dunkirk 
was settled as early as 1804 or 'o by two or three famihes 
that came in by way of Canadaway, and amongst them 
that of ]Mi'. Cole. No settlement was made near the 
harbor until 1S08. when Timothy Gouldino: located one 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 69 

mile west of the harbor. The next year, 18U'J, Solomon 
CliaJwick located at the harbor, and for many years the 
settlement was called Chadwick's Bay. Daniel Pier and 
Luther Goiilding and others, in 180!)-! settled at and 
near the harbor. Timothy Goulding is still li^'ing, in his 
93d year. 

Ripley — was settled at Qiiincy in ISO-l, by Josiah P'ains- 
worth. The same year Perry G. Ellsworth, Samuel Trues- 
dale, Alexander Cochran and Wm. Alexander located in 
to'mi, and Silas Baird and Oliver Loomis in 1806. 

Chautauqua. — The fii'st settlement was made by Dr. 

Alexander Mclntyi'e, at May%'ille, in 180-4. Jonathan 

Smith settled the same year on the AVest side of the 

lake, and Peter Barnhart on the east side. Two years 

later, in 1806, William Prendergast and others settled 

in town. 

Poland — was lirst settled by Dr. Thomas \l. Kennedy 

from Meadville, Pennsylvania, at a point now called Fal 

coner, on the Conewango Creek, in 1805. Dr. Kennedy 

erected the first saw mill in 1 805 : and the first grist 

mill in 1806. Many others soon settled about "the 

mills." J. C. G. Kennedy, for many j^ears superintendent 

of the census bui'eau at Washington, was a son of Dr. 

T. R. Kennedy. 

Ellicott. — The first settlement was made on the outlet 

of Chautauqua Lake, at Jamestown, by William Wilson, 

in 1806. The next year Edward Works located upon 

the outlet and built the first saw mill in 1808, and the 

first grist mill in 1809. 

Ellery. — The first settlement was by Wm. l^emus and 
Jeremiah Griffith, fi'ora Rensselaer county, X. Y., in 1806. 
Mr. Bemus located at Bemus Point. Others came in 
soon after. 

Harmony. — The first settlement was in 1806, by Reu- 
ben Slayton fi-ora Otsego county, X. Y. Darnel B. Car- 
penter fi'om Washington county, X. Y., located in town 



7U lUSTOIilCAI. SKETCHES OF 

the same year ; Jonathan Cheney in 1 807, and Theroii 
Bly and others as early as 1811. 

Arkwright. — The first settlement made in this town 
was in the northwest corner by Abiram T. Orton, Ben 
jamin. Perry and Augnstns Burnham from some of the 
eastern counties of this state, in 1807. 

Carroll. — The first settlement was by Joseph Akins 
from Rensselaer comity, X. Y., in 1807. Several others 
came in the same year, and possibly at the same time, 
and amongst them Laban Case and Wm. Akins. 

Kiantone. — Ifobert Russell was the first settler in this 
town, in 1807. James Hall came in 1810. Mr. Russell 
built the first saw-mill on Kiantone Creek. 

Charlotte. — The first settlement was made at the Cen- 
ter by Robert W. Seaver and Wm. DiA-ine, fr'om Oneidix 
county, N. Y., in 1809. 

Stockton. — It is stated that the first settlement in this 
town was by Jonathan Bugbee from ^Madison coiuity, N. 
Y., March 1st. 1810. About the same time Ebenezer and 
Solomon Tyler from (4reene comity, John West, Josepli 
Greene and Bela Todd from Herkimer county, N. Y.. 
settled in the same vicinity, near the south line of the 
town. In October of the same year Samuel Waterbnry. 
Shadrack Scofield and Henry Walker from Saratoga 
county, settled in the west jmrt of the town. James Hay- 
wood opened the first store at Delanti, in 181 6. Icha- 
abod Fisher kept the first tavern at Casadaga. 

Busti. — Was first settled in 1810 by John L. Frank, 
fr'om Herkimer county, N. Y. Heman Busli and 
Theron Plumb settled on lot 60, in 1811. 

Villenova. — First settlement was made in 1810, by 
Daniel Whipple fr"om New England. Daniel Wright, Yil- 
leroy Balcomb, Jolm Kent and Eli Arnold were early settlers. 
Gerry — was first settled by Jolm Love, Jun., and Stephen 
Jones, in the north-west part, in 1811. Hugh B. Patterson. 
David Cobb, Jesse Dexter and others came in soon after. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 71 

Chen-y Creek. — The tirst settltr was Josliua Bentley, who 
came from Kensselaer Co., N. Y., in 1812. He settled on lot 
15. Josei)li Kent settled on lot 9 in 1815. Willard Cheney 
and others settled in town in ISIG. 

Fieiic/i Creek. — The tirst settlement was made on lot 44, 
in 1812. by Andy Nobles, from Oswego Co., N. Y. John 
Cleveland settled on lot 81 the same year. Others settled in 
to'wai about that time. 

. EUliigton. — In 1814 Joseph Bentley made the first settle- 
ment in this town, on lot 7. James Bates, f'iom Mass., Samuel 
MeConnell, fi-oni Cayuga Co., N. Y., and others settled hi town 
in 1816. 

3Iina — was settled in 181G by Alex. Findley, from Pa., but 
originally fi-om Ireland. Aaron AMiitney settled on lot 5i). 
Zina Rexford on lot 28 and Roger Haskill on lot 50, in 1821. 

Clynxer. — The first settlement was made on lot 58, in 1820. 
by John Cleveland. AYm. Rice settled on lot 59 in 1821. In 
1822 a number of families from New England settled m town. 

Sherman. — Alanson Weed was the first settler in this 
to-wn, locatmg on lot 31 in 1824. In the same year Harvey 
W. Goff. Le.ster R. Dewey, Otis Skinner and Hiram N. Cleason 
became settlers. 

Hanover. — David Dickinson contracted for a section of land 
covering the site of the present village of Silver Creek, August 
1 , 1803, agreemg to build upon it a saw mill by the first of 
Apiil, 1804, and a giist mill by the first of AprH, 1805. The 
original papers, witli reference to this land and the conditions 
of purchase, are now in the hands of the writer. The article 
was finally given to David Dickinson and Abel Cleveland Feb. 
20, 1805. Wm. Sydnor settled at Cattaraugus village in 1804. 
Jesse and John Skinner settled on lot 73, T. 6 ; John Tyler on 
lot 60 and David Marsh on lot 7 in 1805. Chavies Aveiy. 
John Mack, Amos Sottle. I^zekiel Lane and Henry Johnson 
at Cattaraugus village. Aaron Dolpli on lot 4(5 and Abrani 
Cooley on lot 61. in 180(5. Jeliial ]\foore and Jonas Greene at 
Forestville, in 1805. 



72 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

Sheridan. — The first settlement was made at the Center on 
lot 17, by Francis Webber, from Mass., in 1804. Orsamus 
and Alanson Holmes and Uriah Lee settled in town in 1805. 
Jared Griswold, from Conn., on lot 35, in 1805, and Rev. John 
Spencer in 1807. 

Portland. — Although the town of Portland was among tlie 
first settled in the county, we have purposely placed it last on 
the list. The first settler of tliis town was Caj)t. James Dunn, 
from near Meadville, Pa. He located about eleven hundred 
acres near the center of the town, in 1804, before the town was 
siu'veyed into lots. The next year, 1805, he built a shanty 
near a spring of water, not far from the present residence of 
Edward B. Taylor, on lot 31, T. 5, and into this he moved his 
family, which consisted of himself, his wife and six children — 
eight persons in all. This was the first beginning in the 
wilderness of Portland, and was the germ fr-om which has 
grown a community of about two thousand inhabitants. A 
few months later he built a hut or shanty on the east side of 
the road leading from school house No. 8, near the junction 
with the Main road (though at this time no roads had been 
laid) on land now OAvned by John Dudley. In this he lived 
until the next year, 1806, when he built a larger log house on 
the rise of ground very near the present residence of Mr. 
Dudley, on lot 30, T. 5, and in 1808 opened a tavern, the road 
sui-veyed by James McMahan in 1805, and the first road laid 
in the county, rimning immediately south of it. During this 
year, 1806, the following persons settled in town : 

Nathan Fay, on the farm now owned by Lmcoln Fay, lot 
25, T. 5 ; Elisha Fay, on the farm on which he so long resided, 
east part lot 25, T. 5 ; Peter Kane, on fai-m now owned by 
Mrs. Leath, part lot 38, T. 5 ; John Price, on farm now 
owned by Edward McGarrall, part lot 38, T. 5 ; Benj. 
Hutchins, on farm now owned by heirs of Geo. W. Arnold, 
part lot 41, T. 5 ; David Eaton, on the farm he occupied at 
his death, a part of lot 37, T. 5 ; Nathaniel Fay eventually 



THE TOWN- OF PORTLAND. 73 

settled on part lot 12, T. 5, now occupied In' F. Fay. Of this 
number Elisha Fay only is liiaug. 

In 1 807 James Parker settled on part of lot 37, T. 5 -. 
Josej)!! Correll on east part of lot 29, T. 5 ; Nathan 
Crosb}- on part of lot 38, T. 5. 

In 1808 Erastus Taylor settled on part of lot 34, T. 5 ; 
land now owned by Willard Turk, Callen Burr, John 
Fleming and otliers ; afterward on south part of lot 35, 
T. 5. 

In 1 809 Roe (Toldsniith located on the northwest part 
of lot 7, T. 5. ami in 1814 parts of lots 5 and 6, T. o, which he 
sold in 1815 to llezekiah and Barzilla Barker; Jeremiah Klumph 
on lot 19, T. 5 (the Judson farm,) but the next year on 
lot 62, T. 4 ; Kufus Pen-y on lot 38 T. 5, afterward on 
west part of lot 33, called since the Bowdish 
farm ; David B. Granger on lot 37, T. 5, now owned 
by Darwin Holenbeck : Andi-ew Kelsey on lot 55, T. 4, farm now 
owTied by Elisha Tower ; David Joy on east part of lot 33, T. 5, 
land now owned by M. J. Munson and others ; Peter 
Ingersoll on lot 41, T. 5, now called the McKenzie farm; 
Parsons Taylor bought of Erastus Taylor, (See 1 808) ; 
Jared Taylor eventually settled on part of lot 63, T. 4, 
farm now owned by X. F. Stowell ; afterward on part of 
lot 62, T. 4. 

In 1810 Perry Hall located part of lot 62, T. 4, near 
Deloss Hall; in 1816 on part of lot 32, T. 4; Leonard 
Yibbard on lot 62, T. 4, near Perry Hall ; Daniel Barnes 
on east part of lot 3, T. 5, land now o^vned in part 
by A. B. Post ; Jeremiali Potter settled on lot 29, T. 5. 
afterward east part of lot 33, T. 5, now owned in part 
by J. S. West, H. S. Mimson and M. J. Munson ; Wm. 
Hutchins located west part of lot , 29, T. 5 ; the next 
year on part of lot 41, T. 5; Absalom Harris east part 
of lot 33, T. 5, selling the same year to Jeremiah Potter. 

In 1811 Wilder Emerson settled on part of lot 55, T. 
4, farm now owned by S. M. (Tranger ; Jonathan Burch 



74 H1:?T0KICAL SKE'i"( lli:S DV 

<ju lot 02, T. 4r, buying a claim of Benj. Hntchiiis, farm 
now oAvned by liis son Oliver W. Bnrcli ; Elijah Fay all 
of lot 20, T. 5, where liis family still lives ; Wm. I^eiTy 
on part of lot 25, T. 5, farm now owned l^y Lincoln Fay ; 
llollis Fay came to Portland this year Vmt located no 
land until 1813, when he located north part lot 13, T. 
5, the cast part of the village of Jirocton, but sold the next 
year and located on west part of lot 42, T. 5, farai owned 
by him at the time of his death ; John Quigley on lot 30, 
T. 5, faim now owned by IVIi's. Meiicle : Cahdn IJanies on 
lot 88, T. 5, now owned by J. S. West and others. 

In 1812 (Chester Buslmell located on lot 53. T. 4. west 
(jf Prospect Station ; and Sanford Haines on part of l<jt 
62, T. 4, near O. W. Burch. 

Tn 1813 Hiram Fish located on south pai-t lot 54, T. 4, 
sold and bought on lot 53, T. 4, where he now lives. 

In 1814 John R. Gibson located on southeast part of 
lot 1 3, T. 5, southeast of Brocton ; Lemuel Munsou on part 
of lot 55, T. 4, where he lived luitil liis death ; Cephas 
Brainard on part of lot 29, T. 5, faim now owned by A. 
T. Mead; John R. Coney northwest part of lot 19, T. 5, on 
fami commonly known as the "Coney faiTn." 

In 1815 John T. Mclntyre located on soutliwest part 
of lot 55, T. 4, fai-m since owned by Warren Couch ; Wm. 
Stetson on the same lot, fai-m now owned by A. B. Ililler : 
Moses Sage on the northwest part of lot 13, T. 5, occu 
pying a house standing where the house of H. . C. Taylor 
now stands ; Heman Ely on part of lot 62, T. 4, farm now 
owned by Deloss Hall ; Zimn Hill on north part of lot 
12, T. 5, farm now known as the Samuel Brown farm, 
south of Brocton ; Ahira Hall on the southwest part of 
lot 4, T. 5, faiTQ until recently owned by Henry Patcli, 
afterward on part lot 3, T. 5, on I*omfi-et town line. 

Tn 1816 Thomas Klumph settled on the west part of 
lot 47, T. 4, on the "Titus road;" Jei-emiah Klumj^h occupied 
his land this year, part of lot 47, T. 4; Jacob Klumph 



THK rOWN OK POltTI.AND. 75 

on the same lot ; Timothy Cai-penter <m paii of lot 48, 
T. .5. farm uonv owned by G. M. .Vmolcl; Samuel (iear on west 
part of lot 8, T. .5, farm now owned by ^Vlvaro Wilson ; Solomon 
Coney on part of lot 21, T. o, at the u]»per falls on Slippeiy 
Rock Creek, north of JJrocton; Richard Williams on land 
ijought of Heniy Abell, west part of lot 2o, T. o, farm 
now owned by Lincoln Fay; Wm. Dunham on lot 27, T. 
o, and part of lot 32, T. o, near the montli of Dun- 
ham's Creek; Simon liurton on northeast pait of lot 27, 
T. 5, near the mouth of Slippeiy Rock ( 'reek : John 
and Silvester Churchill on west part <jf lot o8, T. 5, 
now owned by A. L. Blowei's and E. P. Wilson ; William 
CoiTell on the north part of lot 36, T. 5, at the mouth 
of Correll's Creek ; Isaac Baldwin on jiart of lot 36, T. 5, 
faiTu now owned by Samuel Arnold ; John Druse on part 
of lot 41, T. o, land bought of Benj. Hut chins; Luther 
Crosby on part of lot 29, T. 5, farm knowji as the Ded- 
erick farm ; M. P. \'angaasbeek on northwest part of lot 
27, T. 5, fann his family still occupy ; Zadoc Martin on 
northwest part of lot 3, T. o, faim oA^Tied and occu]iied by 
liis son Jason until his death. 

Brewer Hubbell settled on lot 40 T. 4, fann now known 
as the Woleben farm : Reuben B. Patcli on southwest 
part of lot 61, T. 4, near the Westlield toA\Ti line; after- 
ward on lot 3, T. .5; Jedediah Thayer on northwest part 
of lot 6i, T. 4, near Deloss Hall: Asa Brooks on west 
part of lot 2, T. 5, near Burr's ^lill ; afterward on lot 40, 
T. 5 ; Oliver Sj^afford on west jjart of lot 22. T. 5 . the 
location of '"Vine ( liflf ot the "Hams community :" John 
Conner on noilh part of lot 26, T. 5. farm now 
owned by AVni. Dogan ; Martin Smith on west part of lot 
34, T. 5, farm now occupied by M. S. Xoxon and others : 
Jesse Baldwin on part of pui-chase of Isaac Bakh\'in, 
]»art of lot 36, T. 5. now owned by Samuel 
Arnold; Felix Menitt on northeast j^art of lot 48 T. 4, 
farm now owned by Geo. M. Arnold; Martin (^^igley on 



76 UlSTOHICAI. SKETOHKS OK 

northwest part of lot 48, T. 4, farm nov. owned by 
Abram Woleben; Peter Vangaasbeek on no tli part ot lot 
27, T. 5, recently owiied by Joseph Shaver : I'harles F. 
Arnold on northeast part of lot 40. T. 5. faini now 
owned by Samuel Caldwell : afterward on lot 3(5, 
T. 5. For date of settlement of the last twe 've named, see 
Biograiihical sketches. From 1804 to 1825 many otheis than 
those mentioned settled in town, while otheis located 
land but sold their claim and eventually located else- 
where. Amongst the fonner may be classed the follow- 
ing: (those net foimd here will be found amongst the 
Biographical Sketches as far as it has been possible to 
obtain them.) 

In 1805 Thomas McClintock located all of lot 18, T. 5, on 
the south side of the Erie road and extending fi-om the farm 
of W. A. Strong on the east to that of Haiwey Hulbiu't on 
the west, but he never settled on it. 

In 1807 Zattu Cushing located the northeast part lot 3, T. 
5 ; Eliza Crocker part of lot 4, T. 5 ; Wolcott Moore the west 
j)art of lot 19, T. 5, faim now owned by R. Reynolds and 
others. 

In 1808 Jonathan Brigham located pait of lot 53, T. 4. 
near Prospect station ; Samuel Richardson on east part of lot 
29, T. 5, land since owned by Simeon Dederick : Josiah Hart 
on north part of lot 41, T. 5, on road leading fi'om the brick 
church to the lake : Lemuel C. Wolcott on middle part of 
lot 33, T. 5. 

In 1810 Alfi-ed Hodge located on middle part of lot 41. 
T. 5 ; Daniel Dodge on lot 55, T. 4, land lying east of farm of 
the late J. H. Webster ; Jeny BartholomeAV on part of lot 63. 
T. 4 ; Joseph Waldo on lot 19, T. 5, including the fai-m of T. 
Judson and others ; Elisha Babcock on east part of lot 53, T. 
4 ; Silas Babcock on east j)art of lot 61, T. 4 ; Josiah Gibbs 
on south part of lot 14. T. 5, where Lyman Skinner now 
lives : Bradley Biu-t on middle part of lot 53, T. 4, south of 
Prospect station. 



TIIK TOWN <»|- I'OKTI.AXI). 77 

In 1815 Etlian A. Owen located on middle part of lot 53, T. 
4 ; Perry Ilillard on middle part of lot 61, T. 4. 

In 1816 A. Luddiugton located on part of lot 46, T. 4, near 
Jason Bigelow's ; Asa Fuller on part of lot 48, T. 4 ; 
Augustus Soper on middle part of lot 12, T. 5. 

In 1817 Erastus Andrews located on east part of lot 40, T. 
4, neai- Charles Taylor's ; Gideon Jones on east part of lot 45, 
T. 4, laud now owned by Beimett Swetland ; Lewis Macomber 
on east j)art of lot 46, T. 4 ; James Lee on part of lot 47, T. 4 : 
AVm. Cotton on part of lot 47, T. 4 ; Stephen Smalley on east 
pai-t of lot 48, T. 4 ; Elisha Rogers on west part of lot 60, T. 
4, and Seth Ensign on southwest part of lot 32, T. 5, land now 
ownied by J. S. Weld. 



78 H1BTORICA.L SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTEU Xr\', 

Settlements, &c., coiitiuueil.^Rate of Settlement.— Number of I'itmiii^-s ill Towu at 
Outbreak of War of 181-2, aud at its Close.— Centers of Poinilatiou, fee. 

From the fiist the settlement of the town wai^ ahnost 
unprecedented. Some idea may be formed of its rapidity 
by refen-ing to the previous chapter. By the year 1823 
scarcely a corner of the territory of the town remained 
unexplored ; the larger portion was located and the inevitable 
log cabin erected. On the lake country and along the 
two piincipal roads there had been the gi-eatest influx. 

The settlements were commenced in 1805. and at the 
outbreak of the war of 1812 thirty -eight families had 
settled in town. A few others came and went. Diu'ing 
the war the population was nearly stationaiy. bnt thirteen 
families coming in diu'ing its continuance. 

We have made a list of all settling ill town previous to 
the close of the war. v.hich we call the ^>?'o??eers" list, and 
shall attempt to give a historical and biographical sketch of 
each, with his famih'. near the close of the work. Many 
incidents of interest vriih reference to early life in tovm by 
the settlers are given, which will be embodied in those 
sketches to which the reader is referred. 

At the close of the war the center of population seemed 
to point to no particular locality, though it seemed quite 
probable that a point would be made at the location of 
Richard Williams, where Lincoln Fay now hves, or one and 
one-half miles further west, at the forks of the roads near 
the residence of J. S. West ; in fact, for years this point 
was called Portland Center. There were no mills yet 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. T'J 

erected, aroiuid wliicli a population is apt to center, and the 
settlers located njiou lots as their fancy or judgment 
dictated. AVe have given the names of those locatmg 
previous to the close of the year 1817, though a few of 
them never become settlers. 

Efforts were made by the settlers along the Erie road 
and that next surveyed, known as the Sout/i road to 
induce settlers to locate in that part of the town and 
nearer the foot of the highlands, with a view to some 
permanent point for a center of population ; but it was 
soon evident that the drift of settlements was fiuther 
north and that the facilities for the manufactiu-e and sale 
of lumber were greater than at points further from the 
more direct communications through the town east and 
west, and that the center, wherever it might be, would be at 
least north of the then traveled route. In addition to this 
the indefatigable pei severance of Elijah Fay and a ftw 
others of like stamj^ in causing the location and cutting out 
of roads, had its influence no doubt in determming 
attention to the more northern portion of the town. Then, 
as now, local interests determined the actions of men. On 
the 11th of May, 1811, Elijah Fay located all of lot 20. 
T. 5, which included all of the west poition of the village 
of Brocton, with the groiuid on winch the residence of 
Chester Skinner stands, and erected Ins log cabin. HoUis 
Fay located IGO acres of the northwest part of lot 13, T. 5. 
including the east part of Brocton, Dec. 11, 18l;5: cleared 
three or four acres and erected a rude log house. No road 
was then laid out nearer than the one called the So>ith road: 
nothing but a trail served the piupose of tlie settlei'. A 
" dismal swamp " of l)lack asli occupied the site of the now ^ 
center of the village. 

James Dunn located all of lots i^') and 'Ah T. 5, in ls04. 
Calvin Barnes tlie southeast part of lot 32. T. 5. in 181(i. 
and Abner B. Beebe the nortliwest part of lot 25. T. 5, in 
1822, these three purchases ct)veriug the whole plot of tlie 



80 MISTOUIOAI. SKKTCHES OF 

village of Centerville. No road was laid out tlnotigli the 
village mitil 1815. At this date, says an old 'settler, •"the 
houses were scattered all through the woods and we foiuid 
our way by marked trees, and there was but one framed 
house within three miles of me. Where Centerville is now 
was the thickest woods I ever saw. It was a dismal 
looking place." After making these statements it is 
proposed to combine the further consideration of settlements 
with that of roads. This is done that the readers at this 
day may get a better understanding of the various locations. 



rilK TOWN or rOKTI>ANl). 81 



CHAPTER Xy. 

Roads — Paiiie's Koad — Roatl Described — Ouly oue Used by Settlers. 

The first road or trail used as a road in or tliroiigli the 
town of Portland was made in 1802 by Gen. Edward 
Paine, the founder of Painesville, Ohio. The state of 
Connecticut OAmed a large tract of land within the state 
of Ohio, usually known as the " Western Bestrve," but in 
earlier times the " Connecticut Fne Lands," or "New 
Connecticut." The state was anxious to settle this territory 
and offered inducements to actual settlers, and employed 
Gen. Paine, of that state, with a small party of men to 
open a road through the almost impenetrable "wilderness 
from Buffalo as far west as was necessary, to enable the 
colony of emigrants that accompanied him to reach theii' 
destination. Little else was done than remove obstructions 
too large to be sru-moiuited or " get round " by a loaded 
team and cutting a narrow strip of underbrush. This road 
was cut out to Chautauqua creek, at some point not far 
fi'om the village of Westfield, and it is said that the settlers 
afterward continued it to the state line of Pennsylvania. 
It has ever since been known as " Paine s road." Gen. 
Paine was a brother of Timothy Paine, one of the early 
settlers of Aurora in this state. 

This road or trail passed near the foot of the hills, that 
bemg the best place to cross the streams. It was never 
surveyed but cut out at random, looking only for 
the best ground. According to the testimony of old settlers 
it intersected the east line of the town near the northeast 
corner of lot 4, T. 5, but two or three rods south of the 



S2 mSTOKICAL SKETCIIKS OK 

})i't'seiit South road, and on land now occupied by the barns 
of David P. Benjamin, ])assing a little south of the soutli 
road across the famis of E. B. ^Yalden, A. B. Post and 
others and to the rear of the house of A. E. Thompson on 
the south-west j^art of lot 4, T. .5, and intersecting the 
road running east from the residence of Franklin Vxy on 
northeast part of lot 13, T. 5, near the bridge east of 
Mr. Fay's house ; thence westerly following the course of 
the present road to a point a few rods Avest of the 
railroad crossing of that road; thence to the right of 
the road, keeping on the level land on the farm of the 
heirs of Timothy Judson, south part of lot 10, T. 5, 
thence south-westerly to the level plot of groiuid a few 
rods north of the present residence of Erastus Denison, 
(m north part of lot 24, T. 5, thence to the track of 
the road as now located near the corner east of the 
farm until recently owned by S. V. R. Wells, on northwest 
part of lot 24, T. 5, and fi'om this following nearly the 
route of that road with but slight variations to the 
town line, west, where the main Erie road is now located, 
near the residence of Mrs. Mary Arnold, southwest part 
of lot 41, T. 5. This Avas the only road in use by the 
settlers coming into town fi'om the east, for two or 
three years. Nothing like a bridge was to be found ui)on 
the whole route, and travelers were obliged to ford the 
streams however much swollen. 

The Erie Road. — The towTi was siuweyed into lots in 
1804 by Wm. Peacock, and a road six rods Avide was 
left by order of "the company," to be improved and 
used by the settlers as a public highAvay. This road is 
called on the Land Office Maps the Erie Road, but the 
people always called it the Ellicott Road. It is the 
road that conunences on the east line of the tOAvn 
betAveen lots 3 and 4 near the residence of Simon Biu"- 
lon and continues in a Avesterly course until it unites 
Avith the south road in fi"ont of the residence of J. S. 



TIIK TOAVN Ol' I'OUTLAXl). 88 

West on lot -VS, T. o, and follows tluit road to the 
town line of Westfield. It forms the boundary between 
lots 3 and 4, 12 and 18, 18 and 11), 24 anil 25. 29 and 
80, 33 and :U, 37 and 38 and crosses lot 41, T. 5, leaving 
the town at the south west corner of that lot and the soutli- 
west corner of T. 5, R. 18, running a distance within the town 
of seven miles, nearly, it bein^- three sixteenths of a mile longer 
than the south line of the town. 



84 



iiist<)K1(;al sketches of 



(CHAPTER XVI. 

Itoiids Coutiuiied — The '"South Road'" when aud by whom surveyed — Its course 
described — Comniissiouers laying it — "North Road" when and where laid, and 
by whom — Its course described — Work done — The first team di-iven over the 
road — The tirst stage team driven over it. 

James McMahaii siuveyed a road through the "town of 
Chautauqua and coiuity of Genesee," m August 1805; the 
to^Yn then comprising the whole coiuity by that name, 
except the eastern tier of toAvnships or Range lo. The 
survey commenced at the northeast corner of T. (>, R. 11. 
on the east line of the jiresent town of Sheridan, and 
has in its course to the Pennsylvania State line 122 
angles— sufficiently crooked to satisfy the caprices of the most 
devoted disciple of Bacchus. Its termination at the Ime was a 
few rods west and north of the railroad station. The 
length of the road was thirty-three and one-eighth miles. 
It was the first road surveyed through or in the county, 
and is the first on record. The commissioners ordering 
the siu'vey, and laying the road, were Thomas McClin- 
tock of Canadaway, now Fredonia, and James Dunn the 
first settler of Portland. The third commissioner was 
Artluu' Bell, li\dng west of the Cross Roads now West- 
field, but did not take part in this enterprise, though it 
must be supposed he had an interest in it equal with 
the others. This road intersected the now east line of 
I'ortland on the northern portion of lot 4, T. 5, on 
lands of David P. Benjamin, and followed the general 
course of the road usually known as the "south road."' 
crossino- lots 4, 13, 19. 25. 3u, 33, 34, 38 and 41, to the 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 85 

west line of tlie town Avhere the jn-esent ]\Iain or Erie road 
intersects the east line of the town of Westtield. ^lauj changes 
have been made and many of the "crooked places made sti-aight" 
since. It substantially followed the present road from 
the east line of tlie town to a point on the western 
portion of lot 19, T. 5, near the present residence of 
Richard Reynolds ; at one point however beai-mg a little 
to the soiith over land now owned by (^rrin Brainard, 
crossing the ravine in the reai- of his lionse by a log 
bridge the remains of which were to be seen a few years 
since. P'rom Mr. Reynolds' it passed to the north, nearly 
over the ground where the corn Imm of Charles Fay 
stands ; in front and near the stone house of Geo. Smith, 
intersecting the i)iesent road near Lincoln Fay's dwelling 
on lot 25, T. 5 ; bearing to the south of the present 
road at the angle south of the churches at Portland 
('enter, and passing a few feet south of the house of 
John Dudley, on tlie "old Dunn farm" south i)art of lot 
;50, T. 5, crossing the creek west of the house, fifty feet 
south of the present bridge. The remains of the old 
roadway are still to be seen at this point and on the 
bank on the east side of the creek. After rising the 
hill near the cemetery it passed to the north of the 
present road near the residence of Matthew Seeley, and 
through the grove west of the house of ]Mr. Seeley, and 
reaching a point near the forks of the roads nearly in 
fi'ont of the residence of J. 8. West, on the line between 
lots 33 and 34, it passed to the soutli on lot 33, in the 
rear of the dwellings of Henry S. ]\Iims(Ui and Jerome 
Burhans and crossing the i>resent road a few rods west 
of the residence of J. McFadden, cm the south-west corner 
of lot 34: ; thence bearing to the north of the present 
or old "'Erie Road, " across the south part of lots 38 and 
•41, until it reached a point in the present road near 
the parsonage of the West Bajitist church, passing over 
the ground upon which stands the schoolhouse in district 



80 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

No. 3 aucl tliti ground where stands the church editicc 
on the south part of lot 4J, thence westerly along the 
line of the present road to the town Ime of Westfield, 
near the southwest corner of lot 41 and the southwest 
corner of T. 5, R. 13. 

2. The '■'•JSrorth Road' — or road leadmg west from the 
town hne of Pomfi-et near Lemi Barber's, northeast coiner 
of lot 5, T. 5, through Brocton and Portland Center to 
the forks of the road near the brick church in West 
Portland on south part of lot 41, T. 5, was laid by the 
Judges of the county, Philo Orton, Matthew Prendergast 
and Wm. Alexander, Jiuie 29, 1815. The commissioners of 
Pomfret had laid a road from the forks of the road, 
half a mile east of the town line of Portland, near the 
northeast corner of lot 5 in Portland, but the commis- 
sioners of Portland refused to lay the i^ortion asked for 
in that town, and an appeal was had to the Judges 
who laid the road on the day above named. Mucli spirit 
was manifested by the few settlers along the line of the 
proposed road, with reference to the matter, and a spuit 
of rivalry sprang up between them and those living along 
the then main road or road surveyed by McMahan in 
1805. Those living along that road proposed to make 
it the principal thoroughfare through the town, and those 
living along the line of the proj)osed road, or now north 
road, claimed that a large population of the settlers 
would be better accommodated by this route and that it 
was necessary for the development of the towai. ^Vmong 
those who manifested the greatest energy and sj^irit in the 
matter were Elijah Fay and Barzilla Barker. Tlie roa<l 
was not opened or made passable for teams to any extent 
until 1816, in which year a large amovuit of work was done 
upon it. Elijah Fay opened it the entire length for $15 ; 
and Barzilla Barker worked twenty days and gave twenty 
dollars. This would not be a large amount at the present 
day but the settlers then had but little to give. The 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 87 

settlers west of Portland Center, as now located, entered 
also into tlie strife to make the road better and more 
convenient for emigrants and for general transit than the one 
farther sonth. At that time Portland Center was nnder- 
stood to be at the now forks of the road near the resi- 
dence of Calvin Barnes, now J. S. West. Centerville was 
a wilderness and Brocton a black ash swamp. In this 
stiife the settlers along tlie new or north road trinniphed, 
and sncceeded in diverting the travel in a measure from 
the sonth road or one surveyed by McMahan. The first 
loaded team driven over the eastern portion, or fi'om the 
toAvn line to Salem X Roads with its two or three log 
hirts, was by Henry Sage in the spring of 1816, and the 
first public conveyance or stage was driven over it by Thomas 
Quigley in 1827. 

3. The Old Chautauqua Jloacl — crossing but a corner of 
lot No. 1, T. 5, and lot 8, T. 4, was surveyed and laid in 1808; 
Thomas Bemus, Siuveyor; Abijah Bennett and Matthew 
Prendergast, C-ommissioners. 

4. The Lake Road — was first surveyed and laid in 180! » 
by James McMahan, but was not opened mitil after a 
resurvey from Barcelona to the Pomfret town line near 
the lake, on Aiigust 7, 1817. 

5. Ihe Town Line Road — between Port'and and West- 
field, was surveyed by James Mc^NIuban, and laid in July 
1810. 

(). Road from Charles Fay's to the north road or to 
the north line of lot 10, T. 5, was surveyed by Wm. 
Berry the 23d of June 1812. It was resurveyed on Jan- 
uary 3d, 1816, and ended at tlie intersection with tlie 
north Erie road. 

7. Road from the site of the old stone schooUiouse 
south, on soutlieast part of lot 41, T. 5. was surveyed and 
laid May '25th, 1813. 

8. The road leading from the Brocton Mill on lot 13, 

12 



88 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

T. 5, south, to the south Erie road, was laid in October 
1817. 

9. The road leading from Franklin P'ays on northeast 
comer of lot 1'2, T. 5, northeasterly to Poinfret town line, 
was resui-veyed on May 8th, 1818. (a section of tlie Erie road.) 

10. The Town Line Road, between Portland and Pomfi-et, 
commencing at the northeast corner of lot 3, T. 5, R. 13, 
where the road Xo. 9 intersects the towii line and nmning 
south one and one fourth miles to the residence of Jonas 
Farnham, was laid in Febniary, 1819. 

11. The road leading fi'om Brocton north to lake Erie 
was laid October 2, 1819. Originally this road varied fi-oni 
its present course, leading westerly to the mill of Solomon 
Coney at the falls of Slippery Rock creek on lot 21, T. 5, 
but returned to its lirst or due north course, which it held 
to the lake road. 

12. The road leading from the town line of Westfield 
east to Prosj)ect station, was laid May 15. 1816, and was in 
after years called the Fish & Barnes road. This road 
was continued from this point to the town line of 
Portland and Chautauqua two or three yeais later. 

13. The road from the Lake road to Portland Center, 
[tassing the residence of J. E. Harris, on lot 32, T. 5, B. 
F. Pecor cm east part of lot 32, and the Portland station 
L. S. & M. S. R. R., was laid October lo, 181G. 

11. The road kno\\Ti as the Titus road, rimnmg from the 
towTi line of the io^\Ti of AVestfield one mile and fifty tlu'ee 
chains across the northern portion of lots 02. 51. 17 and 39, 
T. 4, was laid out October IG, 1816. 

This was continued east to the road leading from Portland 
Center to May^Hlle. near the house of A. H. Billings, on 
Aprd 12, 1820. 

15. The short road leading fi"om the corner near the 
school house in school district Xo. 1, on the line of lots 
Xo's 13 and 19 to the old Erie road, was laid Ajiril 
12, 1820. 



Tin-: TOAVN OF I>01JTL.\ND. 80 

Ifi. Tlie road south from the former residence of Elisha 
Fay (stone liouse) to the foot of Chautaiiqiia hill lay across 
tlie swamp nearly in front of the residence of Mr. Fay 
to the Erie road, and thence south betweerf the houses of 
Harvey Hulburt an<l Erastus Denison on lot 24, T. 5. 
intersecting the j)resent road near the foot of the first hill 
That portion of this road south of the Erie o-oad was 
removed on the north end 3 chains and 30 links to its 
present location October 1, 1820. 

Tlie north part of this road was removed farther west 
of its present location now leading south from the corner 
near S. S. Jones", on lot 25, T. 5, to the Erie road, August 
23, 1823. 

17. The road running along the township line of T's 4 
and 5 froin the corner a few rods west of the house 
of Abram Woleben. on the northwest part, of lot 48, T. 4, 
to William Thayer's, the northeast part of lot 32, T. 4, 
was laid October 1, 1819. 

18. The road leading from the moiith of Slippery Kock 
creek to the corner west of school house No. 9 on the 
road north of Brocton, was laid, the first portion in April 
and the balance in October, 1820. 

19. The road from tlie Lake road, on lot 27, T. 5, and 
running southerly through the farm of E. F. Underhill 
to "Fletcher's Mill," near the center of lot 26, T. 5, near 
Portland Center, was laid October 16, 1820. 

20. Eoad from the mouth of Canadaway creek to the 
town line, south, was laid March 1, 1821. 

21. Road fi'om the lake road due north of Brocton, 
on lot 16, T. 5, running easterly to the Pomfret town 
line on northeast corner of lot 7, T. .5, was laid October 
17, 1820. This road was resurveyed and largely altered 
March 19, 1822. 

22. Road leading from the lake road on lot 42, T. 5. 
to the main or Erie road, near the brick church in West 
Portland, was laid May 29, 1821. 



90 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

23. Road leading from tlie lake road on nortli part of 
lot 36, T. 5, to the north Erie road on north part 
of lot 30, near the residence of Thomas Qiiigley, and 
passing the residence of Clark Walker, was laid September 
26, 1821. 

24. The road leading from Brocton to the lake was 
resurveyed and the northern part straightened in May, 
1822. 

25. Road leading fi-om the South to the North road, 
near the residence of David Skinner, through the central 
portion of lot 84, T. 5, was laid October 17, 1816. 

26. The road fi-oni Brocton to the S(nith road on line 
of lots 13 and 19 was laid May 10, 1827. 

27. A • road was laid in 1827 on the line between 
Nathaniel Fay and Zadoc INIartin to the road near Isaac 
Howe on lot 10, T. 5, but never opened. 

28. A road was laid from the Erie road on the line 
of lots 12 and 18, south, to the road crossing lot 10, 
easterly. May 11, 1827. This was never opened. 

Many others, and some of them prominent roads, were 
projected and some of them opened, whilst others were 
never opened. Those that were oj^ened were afterwards 
subjected to so many changes at the hands of the 
commissioners that they are nearly past recognition and 
it would be of little interest to the local reader even to 
peruse the record. The main featiu-es of the lines given 
above remain as at first surveyed, though many clianges 
have been made for more convenient ground, to shorten 
distances, &c. The South road., or the one siu'veyed by 
James McMahan in 1805, has been changed for more 
than half the distance, hnz the North road fi'om the east 
line of the town through Brocton and Centerville remains 
as at first surveyed with but one exce])tion, near the 
house of Ledyard Douglass on lot 26. T. 5. From the 
above statements with the dates the lines of settlement 
in the town may be easily inferred. 



TIIK lOWN OK I'OKI'I.ANI*. 91 

Niagara and Chautauqua Turnpike Com^Kiny. — Tlie 
ulmost impassable condition of the roads from Buffalo 
along the soiith shore of Lake Erie and tlie iiial)ility of the 
settlers alone to make tliem at all passable, induced the 
application by certain citizens along the route, to the 
Legislature of the state, in the winter of 1817, for a 
charter for a Tnrn2)ike Company, to construct a sufficient 
turnpike road from the village of Buffalo in the county 
of Niagara to the east line of Pennsylvania, through the 
town of Portland. 

The Legislature passed an act dated February 28, 1817, 
incorporating a comj^any for the above pm'pose, to be 
known as "The President, Directors and Comj^any of 
the Niagara an<l Chautauqua Turnpike and Bridge Coni 
pany." The act recites as follows: "Tliat Zattu Gushing, 
Jonathan S})rague, Henry .Vbell, John E. Howard, Nathaniel 
Bird, David Eaton. Eobert Dickson. John Mark, Ozias 
Hart, John French, David Royce, Richai'd Williams, Zenas 
Barker, Ebenezer Goodrich, Daniel Camp, Jonas Harrison, 
John G. Camp and Charles Townsend, and such other 
persons as shall associate for the purpose of making a 
good and sutficient turnpike road to begin at the village 
of Buffalo, in the county of Niagara, and running from 
thence to Cattaraugus Creek as near the mouth as may 
be, in reference to the fitness of the groimd and straight- 
ness of the road, to the village of Canadaway, fi-om 
thence on the best ground and most direct course to the 
cross roads in tlie town of Portland, and from thence 
on the best ground and most direct course to the easterly 
line of Pennsylvania, at or near the house of Samuel 
Truesdale, with the privilege of erecting three toll bridges, 
viz : one across the Buffalo Creek, one across the Catta 
raugfus Creek, and one across the Eighteen Mile Creek." 
The stock of the company was to consist of four thou 
sand shares of fifty dollars each, and Jonathan Sprague, 
Henry Abell, Nathaniel Bird, Daniel Camp and Jonas Har 



92 IIISTOUICAL SKETCIIKS OF 

lison were appointed Coiumissioiiers to receive subscrip- 
tions. The road "svas to be completed ■\\-itliin live years 
from tlie ])assing- of the act. 

That no favoritism or i)aitiality be shown in the locatino- 
of tlie road. Ehjali Leacli. Wm. Hodg-e and Simeon Fil- 
more were appointed Commissioners to "lay out ami 
establish" the road mthin the ccninty of C'haiitauqna ; and 
Ebenezer Johnson. Robert Montgomery and ,.'ames McMahan 
were appointed to "locate and establish'" the road witliin 
the coimties of Cattaraugus and Niagara. Toll gates were 
to be placed not less than ten miles ai)art. Nothing- 
farther was accomi:)lished . 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 93 



OHAPTEE XVII. 

^lail Rotites^Post Ofiices — Stages aud Stage Ivoutes—Cliantanqua Post Office — No 
JIail Route until ISOG — First Mail Route— First Contractor— First Carrier— First 
Post Master iu the county— Cauadaway Post Office— Pomfret Post Office- 
Name changed to Fredonia— Mayville Post Office— Burgettstowu Post Office— Express 
MaU— Richard WUlianis Contractor— Mrs. Williams— !Mead\'iUe Post Route— Dan- 
kirk Post Office— The old Chautauqiia Office again—Portage Road— First Cemetery 
iu the county. 

In speaking of the mail service, post offices and stage 
roiites, we shall not be confined to the town of Port 
land simply, bnt extend our description to most of the 
iiortli part of the county. This seems to be necessary to 
a fair iiiiderstaiiding of this part of our work. No apol- 
ogy tlierefore is needed. For most of the information 
furnislied I am indebted to the politeness of Hon. E. T. 
Foote, now of New Haven, Connecticut, formerly county 
Judge of this county for twenty years. Tlie facts were 
tirst pul:)lislied 1)}' him in 1863, in tlae Fredonia Censor. 
I have been permitted to extract facts and phraseology, 
as seemed siifficient to answer the purpose in hand, 
changing and abbreviating to suit the circumstances of 
the case. 

To tlie early settler, the mail Service of the United 
States was one of the '-institutions."' Hardly could half a 
dozen families locate themselves at any pomt in the wilds 
of the west, ere an aiTa of that service was thrust out 
for their benefit. 

Chautauqua county was first settled in 1802, and the 
first post office estabRshed in the county was at the old 
cross roads, one mile west of the center of the present 



94 iirsTOHi(;AL skktchbs of 

village of Westfield, May 6, 1806. There was no mail 
route in operation through the countv until that date, 
though one was estal)lished in 1805. Previous to this, 
the settlers in the territory now included in the county 
were obliged to go to Buftalo or Erie tor their mail 
matter. The office at Erie was established in 1798, and 
John Hay appointed postmaster. Erie at that time was 
called Presque Isle. This first mail route was between 
Pres(iue Isle and Buftalo, a distance of ninety miles. Jolni 
Metcalf of Canandaigua, had the contract for carrying the 
mail once a week over the route, and commenced as 
stated, in 1806. The mail was at first carried, by a 
footman, in a hand-bag or rolled up in a handkerchief 
and placed in the hat. John Edwards was the first 
carrier on this route. How long he held this import- 
ant position is not kno\\'H. As stated above, the first 
postoftice on this route was established in 1806, by the 
name of Chautauqua. James McMahan was the first 
})0stmaster. Mr. McMahan was the pioneer settler of the 
county, and at that time lived on his farm, one fourth 
of a mile west of the old cross roads and now owned 
l)y Wni. Vorce. He held the office luitil 1818, when it 
was discontinued. The mail route through the present 
town of Portland was at first over Paiue's road, after- 
ward the one surveyed by McMahan in 1805. 

Canadaioay Postojfice — four miles east of Fredonia, at 
a point for many years laiown as the Poberts stand, 
was the second office in the county, and established June 
18, 1806. Deacon Orsamiis Holmes was the first post- 
master. This whole section at that time was in the 
town of Chautau(pia and coimty of Genesee. These two 
offices were the only ones in the county for three years, 
and this route the only mail route for several years. 

Farafret Postoffice — was established at Canadaway, now 
Fredonia, May 6, 1809. This was fhe third office in the 
county. Samuel Berry was the first i)()stmaster. The 



•IIIK TOWN OP I'OIMI.ANU. 95 

office was in a biiildmg on the pix'iiiises of the late 
Charles Burritt. The buihling is still standing but removed. The 
nauie of the settlement at Canadaway was clianged to Fredonia 
at a }inblic meeting of the citizens, January 1. 1817. 

Mayville Postoffice — was established as a private oHfice. 
July 1, 1812. Casper Kouse Avas the postmaster and con- 
veyed the mails from the ancient cross roads, or Chautauqua 
office, once a week, for the emoluments of the office. Mr. 
Rouse was kille<l in the battle of Black Kock, afew months 
afterward, and his brother, Charles B. liouse, was 
appointed postmaster Februarj^ 12t}i. 1813. This office was 
the only one south of the ridge until January 1. 1817, 
and nearly the entire population of the south part of the 
county obtained from it their mail matter, some of 
them going or senthng thirty miles. 

BKr(/efMoii')i Poxfojflce — now North East, Pennsylvania, 
was established on this route May 10. 1812. 

In tlie time of the war of 1812, to facilitate the trans 
mission of intelligence, the postmastei' at IJuftalo was 
directed by the goA'ernment to (hspatch an express mail 
twice a week fi-om Buffalo to Cleveland, '"to go and 
return as soon as the roads will permit." This was the 
tirst express tlirough the count}', and the route through 
the town of P(^>rtland was substantially the south road. 
or the one surveyed b^^ James McMahan in 1805. At this 
tiine. 1812. Richard Williams, afterward a citizen 
of the t(jwn of Portland, and who died here, was a 
siib-contractor in conveying the mail over this route. It 
was carried on horseback by his son Abner Williams, 
until late in the season of 1813. when he joined as a 
volunteer the crew of the Lawrence, one of the vessels of 
the fleet of C^ommodore Perry, on Lake Eiie, and was 
killed in the action of the lOth of September of that year. 
The service was afterward performed by a yoimger brother 
for the greater part of the time, Mrs. Williams some 
times making a trip as it seemed to be necessaiy. 



96 JIISTOKIOAI, SKETCHES OF 

Mrs. Williams in many respects was a i-emarkable 
woman. Few women of the early settlers possessed a 
more robust and hardy constitution or so energetic and 
iinpelding a disposition. She was peculiarly fitted in all 
respects for the duties of a pioneer woman. On various 
occasions she performed, by her imyielding energy, what 
seemed almost impossibilities. On one occasion during 
an excessive snow storm when the male members of the 
family dared not venture tliemselves up(jn tlie road with 
the mail, Mrs. WilHams insisted that it must go through 
if she had to carry it herself: and to make lier threat 
good, liad her horse saddled, and taking the mail in a 
small bag tied to her saddle, actually made her way 
through the heavy fall of snow to Fredonia and Buffalo, 
and returned in good order. On another occasion she 
swam her horse aroimd a point of rocks in Lake Erie 
to reach her destination rather than turn back. Many 
other facts are mentioned of her, that show a hardihood 
and a determination of character possessed b}' few women 
even at that day. She was sister of Tliomas Morton. 
Esq., an early settler of Fredonia. [See Biog. Sketches. 
R Williams.] 

In 1814, Mr. Williams became a (contractor for carrymg 
the mails from Buffalo to Erie by way of Mayville, on 
horseback, once a week for $650 a year ; commencing 
January 1st, 1815, and continuing the service to January 
1st, 1818. In 1816 a post route was established from 
Meadville, Pennsylvania, by way of Warren to Mayville. 
X. Y. The contractors were Brawley and Johnson. Their 
contract terminated November 1 st, 1 819. This 
was the first and only route established south of 
the ridge in Chautauqua coimty for several years. Soon 
after the establishment of this route it was extended to 
the cross roads, now Westfield. 

Dunkirk Posto(fice — was established as a pri^■ate office 
in February 1818. though not opened for several montlis. 



THE TOWN OF POIITLAND. M7 

Klias Doty was the tirst postmaster and icceived the 
einohmients of the office for his services. Dunkirk was 
then hardly a point in the wihlerness. 

Tlie old Cliautauqua office, the first established, was 
near the old cross roads west of Westfield. Tlie old 
I*orta|(e road crossed the IJuffalo and Erie road at tliat 
place. fbnnini>- the cross roads. It was th(i intention 
of Mr. Mc^lahan to bnild np a villag'e at that point, 
which he wished to call Northumberland, aftei- the name 
of the county of his nativity in Pennsyh ania. It was h\ 
this old Poitage road that the vast quantities of salt were 
drawn iTi earlier «lays from Lake Erie at llarcehma to 
Cliautauqua I.ake. to be sent by boats to the Ohio Iviver. 
Some years after, a new route was surveyed on the east 
side of the creek through the present village of Westfield. 
crossing tlie ci'eek on a high log bridge very iiearh' 
where the road now jiasses ; ami from this the old cross 
roads gradually declined. The first cemetery for whites 
in the county was established a little north of this old 
center in 1802. The location is now known to hut few. 
In the coming years possibly the b(mes of these the first 
to pay the debt of nature in the wilds of Chautau<]ua. 
b}' some casual circumstance may become exhumed and 
become the stud}' of some savan in regard to the race 
to which their owners belonged. The postoffice here was 
kept in a small store near one of the corners. Eliphalet 
L. Tinker and Jona:han Cass were deputies under Mr. 
McMahan. 



98 lllSTOillCAl. SKK'IVIIKS Ol' 



CHAPTER XVIIT. 

Westtiekl Postoffice — Portliud Poftoffice — Calviu Barues Postmaster — North Portland 
Postoffice aiid changes — Salem X Roads Postoffice aud chauges ju the village ol 
the "corners." — Name of Salem X Roads originated — Col. Nat. Bird as mail 
contractor aud stage proprietor — Route through Portland — First mail stage — 
Improvements in 1824-26 — Post coaches from Buffalo to Erie — Route through 
Portland — Withdrawal of coaches. 

West field Postoffice — was establisbod iii the })resent 
village of Westfield, June 15, 1818, superceding the okl 
Cha^itauqua office. Dr. Fenn Deming was the lirst post- 
master. Those following in order were Orris Nichols. 
Calvin Rumsey, Wm. Sexton, Orris Nichols again, Win. Sexton 
again, Rev. Hiram W. Beers, Dr. I>. M. Kenyon, David 
Mann, Byron Hall, Arc. Szc. 

Portland Postoffice — was established December 7th, 1814. 
(■alvin Barnes was the first postmaster occupying that 
2)osition until September 2d, 1829 when the office was 
discontinued. The commission of ^Ir. Barnes is in the 
possession of the writer and is signed by Reuben J. 
Meigs, jim., '•Postmaster (reneral of tlie U. S. of America." 
and bears date December 13, 1814, registered by Samuel 
Iloit December 2!), 1814. This office was on the old 
Erie road, called by the settlers the Ellicott road, on 
the north part of lot 33, T. 5. The farm of Mr. 
Barnes is now owned in pai't by J. S. West Esq. wlio 
also occupies tlie liouse for some years occupied l)y ^Ir. 
Barnes. At the time of the establishment of this office 
Portland included all east of Chautaiupia creek to the 



Till': •i()\\'N OK I'oirri.AM). 99 

Pomfret line on the east. Westlield office was in the town of 
Portland, but Portland office was the first established 
within the bounds of the present town of that name. 
This office was the only one between Westtield and 
Fredonia, or the Pomfret office as then called, and 
was a ])oint of considerable importance to the 
settlers. Mr. Barnes was an ardent and outspoken 
abolitionist, and of course never fully in harmony with 
the administration for the time being', but was never 
disturbed in tlie administration of the office during tlie 
fifteen years of its continuance. 

JVorth Portland Postoffiee — was established September 
3d, 1828. Moses Sage was the first postmaster. It was 
kej)t in the tavern house of Mr. Sage east of Brocton 
on north part of lot 13. T. o, in the house now owned 
and occupied by J. X. Porter. ilr. Sage removed 
to Fredonia in 1830, but removed the office in the spring 
of that year to the tavern liouse of John R. Coney on 
the Coney farm west of Brocton. on north\\est part of 
lot 19, T. 5. and recommended Mr. Cone}- for postmaster, 
and that the name of the postoffice be changed fi'om 
Xortli Portland to Portland. .Air. Coney became post^ 
master and ke])t the office at his liouse until the si:>ring 
of 1835, when he removed it to a tavern house he had 
built at Portland Center; now owned and occupied by 
R. D. Fuller as a wine house. The name had been 
changed to Portland in accordance with the mshes of 
Mr Sage. ]\Ir. Coney held the office until 1849, when 
he sold his property to Curtis AVilbur. who was 
api^ointed postmaster. Those holding the office after Mr. 
Wilbur were, Philip Mericle, Amos Barton, Isaac Shaft uck. 
Thomas S. Uolpli. Dr. T. V. Wilson: and it was kept at the 
places of business of the various occupants. The builchng 
in which the office w-as kept has been twice biu'ned : once 
imder the administration of T. S. llolph. and once under 
that of the present occupant. Dr. T. C\ Wilson. 



100 lllSTOinCAL SKETCHES OF 

Salem A" Roads Postoffice — was established Febniary 
16th. 1835. At that time the territory where now stands 
the village of Broeton w:is little else than a swamp. 
The store building now occuj)ied by C O. Fiu'man on the 
southeast corner was then occuj)ied by B. F. Post as a 
store. Dr. Lagalls lived on the east side of south Div. St. : 
two small dwelhngs stood on the southwest corner noM' 
occuijied. by the hotel of T). Morey, one of them now 
occupied as a dwelling l)y Mrs. Louisa Bowdish on east 
Main St., and the other forming a part of the dwelling 
of L. W. Skinner, one-half mile east of Broeton ; a black- 
smith shop stood on the north side of Maiti St. west ot 
the corner ; the main ])-Avi of the house of C. S. Ogden 
on the northeast comer, occuijied its present j)osition; 
two small buildings graced the west side of North Div. 
St., and iive or six small building;-^ occupied positions on 
East Main St. and amongst them a log houso^ where 
now stands the house of the waiter ; and a frame house 
where uow stands tlie house of T. S. Moss. This 
house is now occupied b}^ M. P. Barber. It was built in 
1817 by Solomon Coney. Elijah Fay lived a little west 
of the Corners, where the family still reside. For a 
description of the village of (^enterville see Biog. Sketches 
Xo. 179. There was little about the Corner h to invite 
settlers or make it a center of population, yet through 
the TUijdelding £'nergy and persevei'ance of those particularly 
interested it was soon made a j)oint of interest and the 
business center of the town. 

The Portland post office it was expected would be removed 
to the Center, and it seemed important that another should 
be established at the Corners. To inaugiu'ate the enter- 
prise a name for the village and postottice was necessary, 
and a meeting of the citizens was called at the shop 
of Mr. Landais Lathrop. a little south of the Corners. 
Some 8 or 10 were present. To settle the all important 
(piestion each one present wrote a favorite name on a ])iece 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. ID I 

of itJiper and c;ist it into :i luit, mticI a son of Mi\ 
Latbrop was directed to di"a\v a single slip. The name 
apj)eariiig was Salem, which for tlie reason that another 
oitice of that name existed in the state, was changed to 
Salem X Roads and adopted. This was in the fall of 1 834. The 
village and office retained that name until September 7. 
I85(, when at a meeting of citizens it was changed to 
Brocton. 

D. Howell was the first P. M. at Salem X Roads and 
the office was kept in the building now owned and occupied 
by C. S. Ogden on the northeast corner of Main and 
North Division streets. Those occupying the office thereaftei- 
were Samuel Hall, Wm. L. Clinton, Milton Clements, 
Wm. L. Minton agjun, Di\ A. Mclntyre, R. S. Morriscm. 
Stephen May, Edwin Elmore, Charles O. Funnan. 

Qo\. Nathaniel Bird, wIkj avIII be remembered by some of 
the older citizens of Portland, was a veteran mail conti'actor 
and the pioiu'cr stage proprietor of Chautauqua county. 
He emigrated to Westfiehl in 1 Si.") and settled on a farm 
one and onedialf miles east of that \illage (now owned 
by Thomas Prendergast). In 1820 he contracted with 
the P. O. Department to transport the mails from Buffalo 
to Eri(^ on horseback once a week, to connnence January 1. 
1821. It will be remembered that in the contract with 
Richard Williams and others the route inciludtid the Mayville 
office, but in the contract with Mr. Bird that office was left 
out, nnich to the dissatisfaction of the people there, who 
at (jnce petitioned for a restoration. This seems t(^ have 
been proper, for more than half the mail matter was 
taken from the Itag at that offici. The reader must 
not suppose that the hoy used then was in hardl}- any 
sense like those used now in the mail service : it was 
a hand bag no larger than a small hand satc^hel. Aftfsr 
the route fi'om Meadville was e.vtended to Westlield 
Mayville \\^as agam dropped from thi' Buffalo & Erie roTite. 
The route throu<>-h Portland (continued to be the South 



102 HISTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF 

road, or the one surveyed b_y Mr. McMalian. and tlie stopn 
were at tlie McKenzie ]>]a(*e, the postoifice and the Old Joy 
Tavern on the o-round where stands the house of Wni. 
AV. Pettit. Mr. Bhd originated the tirst mail stage 
Hne in tlie coiuity and transported the mail in a stage 
wagon, with one sjjan of horses, fi-om Buffalo to Erie, and 
carrying besides passengers, such things as were sent 
hy him from Buffalo. This was a great acconunodation 
to tlie iiublic, though at this day a trip to Buffalo in 
such a vehicle and over such roads would l)e considered 
anything but agreeable. The road was anytliing but good 
except in the winter when the ground M'as frozen, and 
the people along the route and esjoecially the inn lvee2:)ers 
donated largely by Avay of labor to improve it and aid 
the enterprise. Tlie writer has been informed that a 
large amount of labor was done in the town of Portland 
by the citizens from time to time, to facilitate the 
passage of the stage, in addition to their regular rates. 
The stage was an ordinary two horse wagon with can- 
vas covering and with seats on wooden springs. There 
were no bridges over Huftalo, CattaraiigiTs or Eighteen 
Mile Creeks. The road through Portland Avas comjiara- 
tively good ; that from CattaraugTis Ci'eek to Buffalo at 
times almost impassable. "No one unacquainted with these 
I'oads can api>reciate the difficulties of staging over them, 
especially in the spring and fall, or of the mud holes 
through which they had to pass. The only lireathing 
j^lace was while rising out of tme mud hole to plunge 
into another." The writer can rememl^er when 
passengers traveled much of the distance from Cattaraugus 
Creek to Buffalo on foot for the jiri-vilege of ha^dng a 
trunk carried. Any man with ordinary powers of loco- 
motion could pass over the road from Westfield to 
Buffalo more rajadly than the stage team in some 
seasons of the year. We refer to all this to show the 
difficulties of locomotion in those days, because Portland 



i 



rilK lOWN OK rOKTI.ANI). 103 

was ill a maiinei- intevested. the route passing through 
the town; in fact Col. Biixl was himself a citizen of tlu- 
town of Portland. The "four mile woods" was the dread 
of all travelers, by stage or otherwise. Tliis Syrtis of 
the west the reader will find often referred to in the 
i)iog-. Sketches of the early settlei-s. It was in the 
height of its popularity at the commencement of 1823. 
At this date Col. Bird associated with him Mr. Marvin 
of Bufialo in the stage business, and they commenced 
transporting the mail twice a week fi'om Piuft'alo to Erie 
for a compensation of $750 per year; previously it had 
been but $550 a year. They were granted thiity eight 
hoius time between Butialo and Erie, ninety miles. The 
same year a better class of stages was put on the route 
between Erie and Cattaraugus Creek; but the old lum- 
bering covered wagon was used the 1)alanee of the way. 
Most men would have failed in tliis enterprise. The 
difficulties to be overcome and the smallness of the com- 
pensation would have driven them from the undertaking -. 
but Mr. Bird seems to have been bom to this destiny: 
at all events he seemed to have had a monomania for 
stagmg, and he followed his particular "bias " until age 
compelled liim to leave the active duties of life. Early 
in 18:^1 lie associated with him Ira E. Bird, his son, and 
two years later, in 1826, he associated with him T. G. 
Abell of Fredonia, B. 1>. Coe and others of Buffalo, and 
commenced running a daily line of stages over the route. 
This was an epoch in the lustory of staging in Chautauqua 
county, and an epoch -ftdth the inhabitants along the 
route. The first opposition line was put on the route 
this year, 1826, but after a few months it withdrew. 
Thomas Quigley of l*ortland was the first to drive a post 
coach through Salem X Roads and over the north road 
in Portland, in the fall of 1827. 

Post coaches were not run over the entire length of 
the route from [juffalo to l^^rie until 182!>. wlien Kufus S. 



104 HI8TORU;Ar. SKK'nilKS (>1 

Reed, Thomas G. Abell and Bela 1). Coe placed thera 
upon the route and I'un a daily line between these points 
and delivered daily mails. This year, at the age of 76 
years, Col. Bird retired from business. He removed to 
Hamburg, Erie county this state, and died thei-e Januar}- 
8th, 1847, aged 84. 

Previous to 1827 the route through Poi-tland was on 
the south road substantially as now located, leaving 
the north road half a mile east of the Pomfret town 
line on the farm of Edwin Hall, and reaching the 
.south road a few rods east of the towTi line on lot 62, T. 
5, R. 12, on the farm of D. P. Benjamin; coaches stopping 
at the taverns liefore named, and the post-office of Calvin 
Barnes. In the fall of 1827 the route was changed in 
part, to the noi-th road, tln-ough Salem X Roads or the 
Corners as then called, to Portland center as afterwai'd 
located, then crossing to the south road. The next year, 

1828, the north road became the permanent route fifom the 
east to the Center, and fi-om there to the south road imtil 
the discontinuance of the Portland office in Septembei- 

1829, when it was divided according to the state of the 
roads. This line of stages was continued rmtil 1852 ; and 
for the most part of the time a single coach each way was 
sufficient to transport the traveling ]»ublic, about five thou- 
sand a year. What would staging do now towar<ls trans- 
porting the two millions of passengers and move that pass 
over the Lake Shore Raih-oad per year? In 1852 the 
Buffalo & State Line Railroad commenced cairying tlie 
mails and the stages were withdrawTi ; the last three passing 
through Portland together, with single teams, and without 
a passenger: like old and faithful ser^•ants, in solemn 
procession, retiring from the active scenes ot life to make 
way for the more active and efficient agents of modei-n 
enteri>rise. 

Too much praise cannot be awarded the citizens of the 
town along the principal thoroughfai-e east and Avest. f<n 



'niK TUWN OK I'OIill.ANS). 105 

their liberality in aiding the proprietors, by labor upon 
tlie higliway, in their determiuation to maintain their line 
of stages. In this they but manifested the spiiit of public 
enterprise tliat existed among them, and without which the 
public highways of the town might lia^e remained years 
longiT before becoming passable. 



lOG inSTOllICAl. bKKTt lll> 



CHAPTEK XIX. 

Schools — The Pioneer Schools — Schoolhoiisus and tirst DistrictK. 

Scarcely had the first pioneer of the wilds of Portland, 
C-apt. James Dnnn, become fairly settled npon his purchase 
ere he began to cast about him for the means of" ediicating 
his children, lie liad left older and more fiivored regions 
for tliis home in the forest, where he had learned to prize 
the benefits of knowledge and the blessings that flow from 
its dissemination amongst tlie i:»eople, and although now 
shut out from iurmediate intercourse wdth these more 
favored localities, he did not propose to allow his oflspring 
to grow up in ignorance. They must be tauglit the 
rudiments of an education at least. 

In 1808 or '9 he had erected a small log buihling near 
his dwelling on lot 30, T. 5, very near tlie present dwelling 
of Mr. John Dudley, for what definite pui-pose is not now 
known; but in the spring of 1810 it Avas dedicated to the 
interest of science, a teacher hired and a school oj^ened 
consisting of some six or seven scholars, all th(! cliildi'en 
of the foundei-, proj^rietor and i'of a time the sole 
patron and sui)porter. Soon a few others wei"e allo\\'ed 
to send their cluldren by paymg a proi)orti()n of tlie 
teacher's wages. This school (rontinued for a teim of three 
ov four months and was tlie first taught witliin tlie 
limits of the town. Whether it was I'evived and (;oiitinued 
"huing the next summei- is not known to the widter, 
l>\it it is qtrite }irol)able that it was not. for a school- 



THE TOAVN OF PORTLAND. 107 

house was built tlie same siimmei- ov fall — the first one 
built in town. This first schoolhouse was built by vol- 
untary eiFort on the pai-t of the settlers and stood opposite 
the site of the "old stone schoolhouse" in District No. 
8, nearly in the I'oad now running south at that })omt. 
on lot 41. T. .5. It was quite a small, low, log building 
witli a small door in one end and a window of tour lights 
in the side. It had a dutch tireplace and a hole through 
the i-oof of shakes for the smoke. A tew years since 
some of the logs deeply imbedded in tlie soil yet 
remained. IVIiss Anna Eaton taught the first school in 
town, at Captain Diums ; and ^h: Augustine Klumph 
taught the first and only school in the new schoolliouse 
in tlie winter of 1810-11. The locatiim of this house 
did not prove convenient for the settlers and it was 
abandoned and one built in 1811. of logs of course, near 
a spring on land now occupied bj' the orchard of Cvdleu 
l)Urr, a little west of his dwelling on lot 34, T. 5, and 
in front of the residence of J. S. West. In this house a school 
was legulaily kept, le. a summer and a winter term, until 
the winter of 1817-18. During the summer of 1817 a fi-ame school- 
house was erecte<l on the farm noAV owned by Daniel Britcher, 
commonly called the Bowdish farm. <m lot 3o, T. •>, on 
the northeast coiner where tlie i-oad leads south fi'om the 
old P^rie roa<l, opposite and Avest of the residence of 
Milton J. Munson : which was occupied for school purposes 
until the winter of 1828-9. This house was a good deal 
primitive in style, with but few of the conveniences noAV 
deemed necessary, but it answered the purpose of the 
settler well, and in it some of the men that now stand 
liigh in the estimation of the public, laid the foundation 
of an e<lucation and of their usefulness. The same may 
be said of most of these early sti'uctures. A school was 
kept in the smnmer of 181 1 in a small log house on 
lands of John Price, southeast part of lot 88. T. .'). nearly in 
front of the residence of the late I )avid Katon. bv IMiss Pollv 



108 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Price ; tlie family of Thomas Klumpli occupying the pioneer 
schoolhouse bviilt the year before. 

Alxnit 1820 a log schoolhouse was biiilt on the farm 
of Mr. L. Woods, on the central portion of lot 55, T. 4. 
a little south of the house of E. Saunders and on the 
opposite side of the road, .in which a school Avas kept 
more or less imtil the winter of 1828-9, when it was dis 
continued, as also the one last spoken of. and both distncts 
united in one. commonly called tlie "stone schoolhouse 
district." or No. 3. 

A log" schoolhouse was built in tlie year 1814 on ground 
now^ occupied by the orchard of Wm. Becker on the southern 
part of lot 19. T. 5, Avhich was burned down two or three 
years later and a school was kept for a tej'ui in a back room of the 
tavern house of David Joy standing where the house of 
Wm. W. Pettit now stands. These early schoolliouses 
were models in their way though the hand of the accom- 
plished architect was not 2:)articularly visible in their 
construction. Very little imi:)rovement was visible for many 
years. "Whenevei- the people of any distiict or neighbor 
hood could agree upon a site, they went to work in earnest 
and built the schoolhouse A\dtliout any tax or any compulsoiy 
process whatever, but each one did or gave what he pleased ; 
and the teachers were paid by voluntary subscription." 

These early schools were in general well attended, con- 
sidering the sparseness of the population ; and the elements 
of the various branches of an English education taught 
with good success. In those early times little was taught 
but readuig, spelling, writing and arithmetic, with a 
smattering of geograjDhy; but these branches were more 
thoroughly taught than at the present day, in the esti- 
mation of some of the old pioneers at least, with the 
exception of arithmetic ; in fact old people claim that they 
had more good readers and sj)ellers in pro))oi-ti(m to the 
number taught, then than now. 

Many anecdotes are told tlie Avriter, of early school life 



THE TOAVX OF PORTLAKD. 109 

in Portland : ancl many a heart beats }"<)ung again, and 
many an eye kindles with renewxl brightness as those 
early scenes are talked oA^'r, and a pleasure enjoyed in 
their recital far beyond the reality of later interests, sur- 
roiTnded as they wei-e with toil and care. What a blessed 
thing to the old is memory ! How the exercise of that 
faculty so impressible in tlie early years of life, like some 
magic wand pictru'es to the mind with most vivid distinct- 
ness the scenes and events of childhood and youth, and 
wells up in the soul the most pleasui'able emotions ; and 
yet how ofti'ii are they tinged with a shade of melancholy 
or sorrow. 

For further particul;u's with reference to st-hools and 
schoolhouses, see History of Districts. 

Prio)' to 1814 no schools were established by law in the 
town of Portland. Several acts had becji passed by the 
Legislature for tlie encoiTi'agement of schools, but on June 
Kith. 1812, an act was passed d(!signed to embody the 
benefits of t»ther state systems and tlie benc^fits of experience 
of former years, and establish a system that should bring 
an education in common scliools \\'ithin the reach of all. 
This act was in force at the erection of the town of l*ortland. 
April i)th, 1818: yet it was lett for each town to adopt or 
reject its jn'ovisions as tlu-y should see fit in their individual 
capacity, by action at their ammal town elections. Kach 
town accepting the proA-isions of tlie law would be entitled 
tf» a portion of tlie benefits of a fiuid provided by the 
state for the support of schools, imder certain regulations. 

The act provided for tlie appointment of a Superintendent 
of Common Schools by the council of appt)intment, to have 
his ofli(.-e at the seat of government and with a salary- of 
•iSoOi*: but the salary not to commence until there should 
be a <listribution of the iutei-est accruing upon the school 
fund. ;mil no distribution to take pla(*e until the interest 
shimld amonnt to sr>!),Ol>0 a year. In order that any town in 
the state i-eceive a pi'oportion of s;iid sum. it was necessary 



110 IMSTOiacAL SKKTCllES OF 

tliat a like sum or any sum equal and not more tlian t^^ice the 
amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the town in 
like manner as other taxes were levied and collected; in 
Avluch case they were entitled to a sum from the public 
school fund i»roportioned to the number of inhabitants in 
said town, which was to be divided amongst the several 
districts according to the niunber of childien in each district 
from live to fifteen years of age, inclusive. Ilie inhabit- 
ants of each and every town proposing to comply with the 
provisions of the law, were to elect at their annual town 
meeting on the first 'Tuesday in April of each and every 
year, thi-ee School Commissioners ''to superintend and 
manage the concerns of the schools within said town, and 
to perform such service relative to schools as they shall 
be directed to perform.'" And to receive for their services 
"so much as the inhabitants shall direct." Their powers 
extended to the division of the town into districts and the 
alteration of the same, oi- the formation of new ones as 
the interests of the town seemed to demand ; and they were 
to api^ortion and distribute all school moneys of the town. 

The inhabitants were in like manner to choose three and 
not exceeding six persons, who with the school commis 
sioners were to be inspectors of schools of tlie town, 
which inspectors were to examine teachers, visit the schools 
quarterly or oftener as they should deem it necessary. Two 
or more were to form a quorum. No i^erson was to be 
allowed to teach a school in any district "without being 
in possession of a valid certificate of qualifications, and of 
good moral character." They were to examine schools 
with reference to the proficiency of the scholars, good 
order and the regularity of attendance : and ad\'ise with 
the trustees with reference to government Sec. 

Three trustees were to be chosen in each district, who 
were to select a teacher and manage the immediate concerns 
of the district ; make an annual report to the commis- 



THK I'OWX OF I'OETI.AM). Ill 

siouei's, who were to report to the county clerk, who in 
turn was to report to the state Superinteiuleut. 

The provisions of the law did. not extend to the city 
and coiuitj^ of New York until March l2th. 1813, when 
an act was ])assed bringing them also under the same 
regulations and directions with reference to the disbiu'sement of 
the school fund : the children however were tt) he numbered from 
four to fifteen years, instead of from live to fifteen as 
throughout the rest of the state. 

Such are the main features of the law of 1812. It has 
since been largely altered fi-om time to time as was 
thought to l)e for the interests of the cause of a general 
education of the masses: principally with reference to 
school officers, and making property the basis for a 
fund foi- the education of the people. The office of county 
Superintendent of Common Schools was created by act of 
May 2()th. 1841. and c(mtinired itntil the act of Nov. 13th 
1847. 'vhen it was abolished. In 1843 the Board of Town 
School Insjiectors and School Commissioners was abolished 
and tlie office of Town Superintendent substituted, which 
in turn was abolished l)}^ act of the Le,'{islatiu"e dated April 
]2th. 186(). Bv the same act tlie office of Commissioner 
of Common Schools was created: one to be elected for each 
assembly district and holding for three years. His dirties 
are nearly the samt^ as the 'i'oM'u Superintendent of 
Common Schools, with the exceptiim of the disbursement 
of the school funds, which is niade the duty of the Super 
^'isor oi each town. "^Fliis was su1)stantially returning to 
a coiuity siTperintendency. 

The ancient town of Tortland. including the i)resent 
town, Westfield and IJipley. was erected l)y act of Legis 
latiu'e dated ^Vpril 9th, 1813, and the first to^ii meeting- 
was held at the house of Jonathan Cass in the now 
village of Westfield on the first Tuesday hi April 1S14. A 
jiortion of the record of that town meeting reads as 
follows: "'N^oted to comply ^vith tiie common school act. 



112 mSTOKICAL SKKTCHKS OK 

:md ordered the Su})ervisor to cause tlie inhabitants oi 
the town to be assessed in that way wliich may raise 
double the sum for the support of common schools which 
the town may receive from the state." "Chose Jabez Ilul- 
burt, Robert Dickson and David Eaton, Commissioners 
(-)f Common Schools. Voted that Elijali Hayden, Amos 
Atwater and James l^arker be Insj^ectors of Common 
schools. ' 

Tlio sum authorized to be raised by the above A'ote 
was a little shoi't of thirty dollars, and of course the sum 
appropriated by the state could have been but about fit- 
teen dollars. A wnall begiuning (-onsiderina; the extent 
of the territory. 

On the 7th of May tollowmg, the school commissioners 
met at the house of Jonathan Cass and resolved that the 
town of Portland be divided into seven school districts. 
The first five of these were entirely Avithin the ])resent 
towns of Rij^ley and Westfield. except a small portion of 
No. 5 ; and the description so miintelligible to all Imt those 
whose memories run back to those early yeai's. that I pass 
them by without a notice and describe the last tu^o only. 
No. (i jjegan oiU3 fourth of a mile east of the town line 
road between Portland and Westfield. "passing easterly, 
ended at the east line of .lames Dunn's farm," ncnv the 
east line of John Dudley's tann, on lot 80, T. 5. No. 7 
extended from the east line of No. 6 to the line of the town of 
PomtVet : thus dividing the town ft-om south to north into twc^ 
districts. Most of the settlers Avere then living along 
what are now termed the main roads east and west: but 
those living north and s<juth were include<l in these 
divisions. 

No. 6 occupied the house built in IS 11. l)efore spoken of. 
and No. 7 the house ret'eired to as standing near the 
present house of Win. Becker o?i lot li>, T. 5. 

In 18!5. May 27th, another district was fornied from the 
east part of NVestfield an<l the west part of Portland, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 1 13 

the eastern line being a line iiumiug north and south 

near the center of the western tier of lots in Range 13. 

On the division of the toANai and the erection of the 

town of Eiplev. Mai eh 1st. I81(i. owing to the increase 

of the population and for convenience, it became necessary 

to re-district the town and increase the number. At a 

meeting of the commissioners of schools May 9th, 1810. 

present Ethan A. Fay, James Parker and lleuben Stetson, 

it was ordered that District No. 1 extend fi'om Chautauqua 

Creek to Nathaniel Bird's west line, lands now owned 

by Thomas Prendei-gast, on soixth part of lot 27, T. 4. 

1{. 14. including all inhabitants north and south of said 
line. 

No. 2. beginning at the east line of No. 1, and extending 
to a line running noi'th and south near the center of the 
western tier of lots in Range 13, including all north of 
said line tmd all south of said line as iiu' as a line drawn 
fi"om Alexander Lowry's to .Tared Taylor's, land now owned by 
Ozni N. Stowell, southwest part lot (53, T. .4, R. 13. 

No. 3, begimiing in the center of west tier of lots in Range 
13 and extending to the west line of John Quigley's farm, now 
ownt'd by Mrs. Mericle. northeast ])ai-t of lot 30, T. .5, R. 13, 
including all north and south of said line. This (Ustrict 
was veiy nearly the sami' as the No. (> of -the tu'st division. 

No. 4, beginning at the east line of No. o and extending to 
the P<^>mfret town line, inclutling all inhabitants south of a 
line draw] I from the dwelling of John R. Coney on the 
northwest part of lot 19, T. T), to Moses Sages house, north 
pai-t of lot 13, T. "). noAv owned and occupied by J. N. Porter. 

No. 5 included all inhabitants south of No. 2, including 
Jared Taylor on southwest ]>art of lot 63, T. 4. R. 14. 
;, No. 6 included all inhabitants fi'om the line of Pomfi-et to J. 
R, Coney's west line, or line; between lots 19 and 2(5. T. 5. and 
all north of district No. 3 to the lake shore. 

The houses in districts No. 3 and 4 were the same as those 
occupied after the tirst division in 1814. Nothing detinite can 



114 Illi?T<.)i;U;AL SKKTCIIES OF 

now be determined with reference to the place of holding 
schools in districts No. 5 and 6. 

On March 2."). 1817, a new district was fcn-med (No. 7) from 
all that i^art of district No. 3 north of James Dmms north 
line. The present school district No. 7 is a part of the distiict 
then formed. 

At the same date all territory south of lots 40, 48 and 55, T. 
4, R. 14, was annexed to No. 5, as above defined. [See second 
division.] 

Nov. 19. 1817, No. 8 was fonned entirely witliin the town of 
Westfield. 

May 22, 1818, the entire toAvn was again districted by 
commissioners Parsons, "J^iylor and Jabez Hnlbnrt, adding 
two new districts: No. !> on the lake shore in Westtield and 
No. 1 including all the sonth part of No. 1 in Westfield to the 
town line south. This, however, Avas reannexed to No. 1 Nov. 
SO, 1818. The other changes were not so material that we 
will note them here. 

On May 21, 181!), the. town was again districted and llie 
bounds of each district made definite by town lines and lots, a 
rhing that had not ))efore been done. Twelve tlistricts were 
formed but as Ihey wer(3 some of them diAdded within a 
few months and the boundaries of others very materially 
changed if mil serve no good purpose to define them here. 

No. 13 was formed March 15, 1820, by a division of No. 1 in 
Westfield, nearest to Mayyille. 

No. 14 was formed May 10, 1820. fi-om territory' about 
Prospect station on the B. C. & P. R. R. and lots or parts of 
lots 55, 54,* G2 and 03. T. 4, R. 13. The school house stood 
about sixty rods east of the station on the north side of the 
road but was afterward moved to the south side. 

No. 15 was erected March 25, 1823. and was very nearly the 
same as the present No. 2. It included lots 24. 32 and 40 
and that part of lots 23 and 31 in Pt)rtraTi<l in T. 4. R. 13. and 
lots 23, 28 and part of lot 33 in 5th T.. 13th U.. and the present 
joint district No. 8. 



riiK TOWN (M r(»i;ii,\\i). 115 

No. IG was forjiTKHl M:iy 17, 1S28. substantially the No. 1 of 
the present, in the northeast part of the town, with a part 
of tlie north part of the jtresent No. \). This district was 
discontinued within the next few months l)ut was eventually 
I'elVn'nied with changed boundaries. 

No. 1(1, in tlu^ soutliAvcist portion of the town, was atiain 
formed April 1(». 1S24, and included the eastern ]iortion of 
lot :J2. T. 4. 1{. U. 

The abo\e will sulHc(^ to sliow the earh' formation and 
changes of school <hstricts and as far :is is necessarj^ for our 
]>urpose. though the i-ecords of the doings of the school 
officers are numerous and extensive enough to till a small 
volume. 



il<) H J. STOIUCAL SKETCHES OF 



(HAl'lKR XX. 

Si-boul Districts, coutiuiu-d. 

Changes havt' been contmiially taking plaet' horn the 
tirst division of tin- tt)wn into districts, but less fivqiiently 
since about 18:K). The numbers Avere\ also changed from 
time to time until about 1S88. since which time they 
have remained tlu- same with but slight alterations. No, 
10 having been changed in 1843 from 18. its first number 
in 1S38. and No. 12 to that of No. 5 in l8Gi). When 
the major jjait of the districts as they now exist were 
numbered, or wlien tlie many clianges in boundaries tlun 
must have taken place between I8'ir) and 1838 were made, 
it is now impossible to detennine. as there does not exist a 
trace of th(.' records of the acts of s(;hool officers betAveen and 
including t\\v years named. Incidentally and from other 
lecofds a few facts haxf l)een gleaned and are made to 
suffice. Since January 1. 183(1. a book ot records has 
l)een kept separate from tlie other town records by the 
school officers, and full caiougli for practical jDUiposes. 

The present numl)er of school districts is eleven, as 
follows : 

No. 1 is substantially the N(j. 1 1 of the division 
made May 2, 1819, and the No. 1(5 of the division made May 
17, 1823, with some changes on the west, and occupies the 
northeast corner of the town, it was organized May (!. 1880. 
and on May 13th Roe Goldsmith. Samuel Kvertlen and 
John Odell were chosen trustees. At this meetiui^- it was 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 1 1 7 

" voted to build a school house, which was uccomplished thi' 
same j'ear at a cost of $12*>.")0. 'I'liis liousc stood on the 
northeast corner of the cross-roads iieai- tlie lesidence of Win. 
.Martin in that district, on tlie west |tart of lot 7, T. 5. It was 
used until 1.S52, when the present liouse was built which stands 
on the northwest part of lot 7. 

Xo. 2. This is the old Xo. 15 chanoed soniewliat in 
boundaries and occupies the side hill along the line between 
T's 4 and o. It was forme. 1 .March 2o. 1 S2.3. Tlie first 
house was a log- house built hi IS2o or "24 and stood on the 
northuest cornei- of lot 32, T. 4, ver^- nearly upon the site of the 
present one. In 1887 a Irauie house Ava.s built neai-ly cm the 
site ot the old (me at a cost of $181. including- the expense of 
the lot. The ju-esen^ house was built in 18(51 on tlie site of 
the old one at a cost of about $250. 

No. 8 is a joint district. \V(>stfield and Portland, occupying 
the west part of Portland and the east part of ^^'^estfield, 
mainly along the Main road, and is commonly known as the 
•• st(me school-lumse district." It Avas formed on -May 9, I81f>, 
though since it lias been lai'gely change<l and shorn of its 
original proportions. As elsewhere stated the first school 
house in toAvn was built in this district in ISK) aud the first 
frame school house in 1S17. In 1828 a stone house was built 
a few rods east of the present house and on the old Erie road 
at a cost of %)W(). This stone lu)use was used tor scliool 
l>urposes until 18(59 when the present bnc^k house was V>uilt on 
a site purchased of II. A. iJlowers a few rods farther west, at 
a cost of s52.()()(). IJotii these houses were ci'ccted (m the 
s(mtheast(!rly ]iart of lot 41. T. 5. R. 18. 

Xo. 4. This district is the remains of Xo. 7 of tlie tirsi 
divisi(m in 1S14 and the Xo. \ of the di\ision of .May U. LSKL 
though like No. 8 it has suffered largely in regard to bomida. 
ries. Tlie tirst school Iiouse in this district was a small log- 
one built in 1S(|4 ;nid stood on ground lu-arly opposite the 
house of \\\i\. IJecker. south ])art of lot 1*.>. 'I\ 5. It was 
burned in two or three years, probably iu 181(;. and a sc1h)o1 



11(S iiisTOi;i(Ai, sKi;i( ni;s or 

was kept for a lenu in the back room of a ta^•c'nl liouse 
vstanding wlicre the house of Win. W. ]*ettit now stands, on 
south part lot ID, T. 5. .\ \o<x house was bnilt hi the fall of 
1816 or sprhig of 1817 on the sontliwest comer of the cross- 
roads east of the first house, which was also burned in 1SH>. 
Another loLf house was at once bnilt iijion the same site, which 
was occupied until 1827. when the present one was erected. 
In 1850 it was remo\ed a little liirther south, enlarged and 
otherwise improved. It is still occupied. 

No. 5 was erected t)n April 17. 1823. and is a part of No. (^ 
of the diAdsion of INtay^T, 1814. and ihe northern part of No. 
3 of the division of May 1>, 181 G. Its No. was 12 imtil 
1860. when it was changed to No. 5. It occupies the 
northwest coiner of the town and along the lake road as 
far east as the east line of lands of John Springstead oi" a 
line a few rods west of tlu* line between lots 32 and 3G. 
The first school house built in this district was upon lands of 
Hollis Fay in 1827 and stood upon tlie north side of the 
road at the south edge of a grove of young trees east of the 
house so long occupied by Mr. Fay on lot 42, T. 5. The next 
house Avas built in 1 833 : was a frame, planked and shingled 
on the sides as well as on the ■•oof, and stood a few rods east 
of the present residence of Samuel Caldwell on north pait lot 
40. T. .'). The present house was built in 1855 on a site 
one-eighth of a mile east of the site of the house of 1833. 

No. G was erected substantially with its present boundaries 
May 21, 1810. But slight alterations have been made. It is 
the Brocton district and occupies territory immediately 
around that village, including Brocton station and all Ij'ing 
south of the main track of the Lake Shore R. E. as far east as 
the west line of Jolm Flanders' land : east on the Main roa<l 
as far as the town line of Pomfret ; west as far is the west 
line of the "Coney farm," or the line between lots 10 and 26; 
T. 5, and south to the line of district No. 4, Xo. 1 being on 
the northeast. The first school taught in this district was by 
a Miss Kimball. It was opened in a small sluinty made of 



TiiK TOWN <>i roirn^AXi). Hi) 

rough boards with a board chimney, standing on the east side 
of the Slippery Rock creok, ou the north side of the Main 
road and on a knoll l)ut a hundi'ed feet east of tlie bridge. 
It was bnilt foi' a d\\elling- but hired for a school for the 
sunimer of 181!). On the first day of school it took tire and 
l>unied down. A log house was at once put up by the district 
on the same sjiot, the school continued and a school taught in 
it dining the winter of 1819-20 by Jewett Prime. Miss Mary 
Ann Drake, now Mrs. Edmiuid Day, of the town of Dunkirk, 
taught school in this house in the summer of 1 823. It was used 
luitil the tall of 1823 when a frame house was built a few rods 
further east on the corner of a lot immediately m fi-ont of 
the present residence of Mrs. Caroline Hall, north part lot 
13, T. 5, and used in winter of 1823-4. It was burned in 
1824 and on December 4th following the district resolved to 
rebuild the house but on a new site, one now occupied as a 
yard immediately east of the present dwelling of James li. 
Haight in Brocton. It was completed the first of Decembei' 
the next year but was used for a school during the summer of' 
1825. This house is still standing and is the back part of 
the store of R. A. Hall, hardware merchant in Brocton. 
The present house was built nearly op[iosite the old (me in 
1844 by Josiali Hall at a cost of $349 ; $7.5 Avere raised to 
pay for the site. An addition was built in 18-55 at a cost 
of $400. 

No. 7 was erected May 21, 1819. It was first erected in 
1 817. It suffered largely at the hands of the school officers 
of the tovni but it maintained its identity and number 
through the whole. It lies immediately north of 
Portland Center and is commonly called tlu; •' Harris 
District." The first school house was built in l81i) or "20 
and stood about ten to twenty rods north of the present 
residence of J. E. Harris on the northern ])art of lot 32, 
T. ."). It was used but a short time. It was of coiu'se 
built of logs. A frame house was built by voluntar}^ laboi- 
on the same site but was never finished. It was used 



120 HlbTOinCAT. SKJETCHES OF 

until 1838 wlien another frame was biiilt on a site 
adjoining the site of the present house on the nortli, which 
was used' until 1855 \\-hen the i^resent one was built on a 
site adjoining on the south, on the easterly part of lot 
32, T. 5. Tlie site was pm-chased of B. F. Pecor for $50. 

No. 8 was elected Apiil 28, 1827, and is usually known 
;is the •' old biick school hoiise district," and occupies 
territory south and west of No. 10, north of No. 2, east of 
No. •"! and soutli (^f No. 5. It includes territory tirst settled 
in town and the second school house built in town (in 1811) 
was in this district. Like the rest its proportions have been 
largely changed. The first school house built in No. 8 proper 
was a brick one in 1827. Cephas Bi-ainard. Klisha Fay and 
Wm. Dnnn were the first trustees. It was situated on the 
western part of lot 80, T. 5. The present house was built in 
1 853 : $50 wMs raised to enlarge the site. 

In 1832 a district was ibnned from a part of No. 8 and 
tcn-ritory along the Main I'oad and the west portion of 
Centtaville and extending north <jf tlie Main road at that 
point. :md a house built on the corner opposite and in fr^mt of 
ihe house of Tliomas (^uigley on the northwest corner of lot 
30, T. 5. It was discontinued after a few years and the house 
removed to the southeast corner near the house of Stei)hen 
Weld and fitted uj) for a dwelling, and afterward to Center- 
A'ille, and is now a part of the dwelling of Mrs. Delia Gator. 
There are no records of this district and its number has ])asse(l 
from memory. 

No. was erected into a district May 17, 1823. It occupies 
territory north of Broctcm district. No. G, having No. 1 on the 
east and No. 7 on the west with the lake on the north. Most 
of the property of the •' Hariis Community,' so called, lies in 
this district. 'I'he rii-st school was taught by a Miss 
Willoughby and was continued for two or three seasons. It 
was a private school, kept in the house of Simtm Burton and 
iiiterwards in the house oi Oliver Spalford previous to the 
fonnatidu <>( tlie district. Immediatelv after the formation of 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 121 

the district a house was built on land of Willard Burton, now- 
owned by T. L. HaiTis, the central portion of lot 22, T. 5, 
which was occupied until the present one was buih on thf 
northeast corner of lot 21, T. 5, in 1853. 

No. 10. This district was formed in 1838 and was then 
called No. 13, bnt was changed in 1848 to No. 10. It is the 
Oenterville district and has No. 7 on the north, No. (5 on the 
east and No. 8 on the south and west. The first school house 
erected in this district was in 1838 at a cost of $225 including 
site. It stood on the site of the house of G. W. Mimger on 
the northwest part of lot 25, T. 5. It was removed to the 
site of the present house in 1 843, and is still standing near 
the I'oad on the farm of Mrs. Mericle south of Centerville. 
The present one was built in 1854 upon the site of the 
old one. 

No. 11, commonly called the ''Howe district," was fonned 
on the 21st of February, 1 832, and was piincipally taken from 
the No. 4 of May 9, 181(>. It occupied territory un the south- 
easterly section of the towTi east of No. 2 and south of No. 4 
The first hoiise was built in 1832 at a cost of $125, and 
occupied a site a few rods west of "Howes corner" on the 
north side of the road uvav the center of the faim then owned 
by Loren Shattuck but now by H. Parmetei'. It was 
removed to its present site on the "corner" near the residence 
of Isaac Howe a little south of the center of lot 10. T. 5, and 
re])aired, in 1 800. 

Joi7it School Districts. — No. 3, a joint district with West 
field, has been described as district 3. 

No. 5, joint with Westfield, occupies territory south of 
No. 3. The house stands in Westfield on northeast corner of 
lot 31. T. 4, R. 14, 

No. 8, joint with Chautauqua, occupies territory on the 
•'Chautauqua hill," the house standing in Chautauqua near 
the "church on the hill," on the northeasterly part of lot ^-O. 
T. 4, R. 13. 

No. 20. j(,)int with Chautauqua, commonly called the "Elm 



122 IiryTORTCAL SKKTCIIi:^ OF 

Flats district. The house stands in Chautaiiqita near the 
church of the ''United Brethren," a little west of the center of 
lot 45. T. 4. K. 13. 

No. 19, joint with Pomfret and usually known as ''Harmon 
Hill district." The house stands in Pomfret on the south line 
.»f lot 61, T. 5. R. 12. 

Salem Academy. — In 1832 Jacolj Whitman purchased of 
Closes Joy the farm now occupied by J. L. Hatch and II. A. S . 
Thompson, north pari of lot ID, T. 5. Having a son at college 
at Clmton, N. Y., whom he wished to establish as a teacher, he 
eoncieved the idea oi the establislnnent of a liigh school to be 
located u])(ni his own ))remises and placed under the care 
of his son when he should return home.- This plan was 
successfully cariiod out and in 1884 a building was erected 
and completed at his o^\^l expense upon a site a few rods west 
of the wine house of Ryckman, Day ct Co.. where for some 
years stood the residence of ^SEilton Clements, noAv 
i-emoved and owned hy iVIi's. I). A. Baker. The Vmilding was 
occupied the following winter by Mr. Whitman and afterward 
by Charles H. Lallatt. son ot Rev. Chajles Lallatt, pastor of 
the Uaptist church at Salem X Ivcnids. now Brocton, an<l 
still later by S. H. Shaw, now a practicing ])hysician in Ripley, 
this county, and jjossibly by others, and the school obtained 
some degi-ee of notoriety and efficiency. Although midertaken 
as a private enterprise the citizens of the town soon became 
interested, and for a better and more thorotigh organization 
and to secure a greater degree of efficiency, a board of tiaistees 
was elected at a meeting held for the j^nrjiose, of which boanl 
Barzillai IJarker was president, and the school became 
established on a good Avorking basis. The success lor a few 
yeai's was flattermg but from causes not known to the writer the 
interest died out and the enterprise cmne to an end. There ai-e 
now no records to be found of the transactions and nearly every 
thing definite seems to have faded from the minds of the 
people with reference to it, the above meagre statement 
being all the writei' has been able to glean. The building was 



THE TO^^'N OF POBTLAND. 128 

tjvtTLtnally removed by Hubbuvd Wells to a site on tlie west 
]>ortion of the same t'avin, and is now the main portion of the 
dwelling of" Jose] ill L. Hatch. 

This mnch for school districts and school houses. The 
system of education by means of common schools has been 
ap})reciated by the peojDle of the town fi-om the first introduc- 
tion in 1814, and a good degree of pride and good judgment 
manifested in the erection of suitable houses for the use of the 
districts. This was as manifest in the earlier days of the 
settlements before the introduction of the school system as at 
the present; considering the few facilities then at command 
schools have been maintained with great promptness and 
I'egularity and a standard of education attained second to no 
town m the county away from the larger educational 
institutions, and the town may well congratulate itself upon 
the position it (occupies in this respect. In proportion to 
the population and the facilities for education no town in the 
county has iiiniislied a larger number of first-class school 
teachers or those tliat have obtained a better reputatit)n in 
their calling. 

In searching the records of the various school districts in 
town, a large amoimt of shi'ewdness is seen to have existed and 
shai-p practice resorted to in detei'mining the site for their 
houses, that might have been no discredit, as far as ability 
was concerned, to the titled representatives of the same rural 
constituency. 15ut it is agreeable to know that the right and 
the liest interests of the <listricts iTSually prevailed. The 
houses at this writing a.re in the main siifficiently commodious 
and convenient and are a credit to the districts and the town. 



124 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XXI. 

I'ublie School Fund. — Froiu what lonued and how applied— Town Fund of Poitland — 
How Created and how Apportioned. 

The pride and glory of the State is its system of common 
school educational interests. By it an education to some 
extent is brought within the reach of every family w ithin the 
State. The State is divided into eleven thousand districts of 
greater or less extent, to suit the necessities or tlie convenience 
of the inhabitants, and iii each a school is taught diuing some 
portion of the year, and is accessible to all from four to 
twent}- one years of age. The State lias made large pro \4sions 
for the support of these schools, in part from a fund created 
tor the purpose, and in part by a tax u]>on the taxable property 
of towns. It will be at least interesting to note some of 
the earliei' appropriations by the State for the formation and 
increase of the School Fund : 

In 17!M). seven-eighths, of foiu- lotteries of $100,00 $87,o00.00 
1801, one-half of lotteries of $100,000. aggregate 50.000.(»<) 
1805, Proceeds of land sold, 5o0,000 acres. 
1805, Stock in Bank, and increased in 1 807 an<l "8 
1816, Half of proceeds of Ci'umhorn Momitain. 

tract of land 6,944 acres, 5,20s 

1810, Half the arrears qmtrents. 26,690 

1810, Exchange of Securities between general 

and common school funds, by which the 

school fund gained 161,641 

Proceeds of escheated lands in Military 

tract were added to the school fund. 
1822, By the provisions of the constitution all 

public lands, amoimting to 901.659 acres 

were oiven. 



THE TOWN OF PORTL.\ND. 1 25 

1 827. Balanf-e of a loan in 1 786, amonnting to '}3,61().(.)0 
'• Bank Stock given, 100.000.00 

C^anal Stock owned by the State, 150,000.00 

1888. Eovenne of U. S. deposit fund, annually, 1 10,000.00 
From tlie revenvie of the V. S. deposit 
fund .i«25,000 was annually added to the 
capital ("f the common school fund, and by 
the provisions of the constitution the 
capital of the fund must remain inviolate. 

By various sul)sequent acts of the legislatiu-e, the capital of 
the school fund became changed in form, and is at present 
composed as follows : 

5 pel' cent. State stock issued on account of the 

Astor debt, redeemable at pleasui'e. $41,758.91 

■') pel' cent, issued on account of deficiency in the 
(leneral Fund Del)t Sinking Fund, redeemable at 
pleasure, 1S8.2«0.00 

<i per cent, issued on account of the deficiency in 
the (leneral Fmid Debt Sinking Fimd, redeem- 
able at pleasure, !>05,041.3:-? 

7 i)er cent, issued in pursuance of chapter 325 laws 
of 1805, and chapter 20i) laws of 18(56 redeemable 
Apr. 7, 1877, 80,000.00 

( dmptroller Bonds. 6 per cent. I'edeemable at 

pleasure, 36,000.00 

Uank Stock. lOOO shares in Manhattan Ccmipany, 5().000.0{t 

7 per sent. Oswego city bonds, issued in piu'suance 
of chapter 500 laws of 1867. and chapter 21 laws 
of 1 868, redeemable from Jan. 1, 1871. to Jan. 
1, 1870, 51,4:00.0(( 

Bonds for laud. 2 14,820. IK 

Bonds for Loaus, 2 1 5.43 1 .69 

^lortgages for loans luider the act of 1840, in 
cliarge of the connnissioners of the V. S. deposit 
fund 49,326.00 

Money in the Treasury. 1,277,547.36 



Total, $8,004,513.55 

The revenue arising from this fiimU together with nearly 
two an<l a half millions; of dollars obtained yearly by tax upon 
the assessfnl property of the towtis of the State, comprises the 
amount (listiilmted by the State Superintendent to distiicts 



IJISTOKICAL SKETCJIES OF 

and counties for the support of schools m accordance with 
provisions of tlie statute as follows: 

After deducting the salaries of school commissioners- 
a specified sum for each of the Assemblymen from cities; the 
library money; a contingent fimd ; and for support of 
Luhan schools, the remainder is divided into two parts, one 
part being one-third and the other part being two-thirds. 
The one-tlurd is divided equally among the school districts 
in the btate including cities imder certain regulations, from 
which reports have been received acc.rdh.g to law; and the 
two-tlurds are distributed among the coimties of the St-tte 
accordmg to theii- respective populations, excluciing Indians 
on their reservations. The school commissioners of each 
county alter deducting small smns fo. certain specified 
objects distribute one-half the money apportioned to the 
county by the State superintendent, among the various school 
districts and parts of districts in ti.e co^m.^ according to the 
number of childi-en in said district between the ages of four 
and twenty-one years, and the other half they ^ distribute 
among districts and parts of districts in proportion to tlie 
average daily attendance of pupils residing therein, betwee. 
the ages of four and twenty-one years, at their respective 
schools during the last preceeding school year. There Z 
some other tlungs taken into account of which I will make 
no mention. l>eing of minor consideration, as the onlv 
mten ion is to give a general view of the maimer Jf 
distribution. 

In the school law of 18U the s^-stem adopted for the raisin.- 
of any deficiency for teachers' wages was bv Jiate Bill which 
system was continued m.der every change of the code for 5S 
years. It was the occasion of more disputes and bickerin..-s in 
comiection with the affairs of schools, than all other thino. 
combined. By the 2(;th section of chapter 40(1, laws of 186^7 
his feature was abolished, and all defic-iences ordered collected 
by tax upon the taxable property within the district This was 
an important change and one that ought to have 'been 



Tin: TOWN OF poKri.ANo. 127 

Ijrouglit about inanj^ yeiirs earlier. Tiiiis the principle.' was 
faiily acknowledged that as the education of the gi'eat body 
of the people by means of common schcwls is the only 
security of oui" free institutions and the rights to property, 
that the property should be made to pay the expenses of its 
own security and enjoyment. 

Union Schools were allowed to be established under 
certain conditions, hy act of April 13th, 1853. 

N'ormal and Tralnirty Schools, have been establislied at 
vaiToiis points in the State for the education of teachei's ; the 
first at the city of Albany, May 7th, 1844, and the first session 
was opened December 1 8th. of that year. The others are 
situated at ( )swego, Pt^tsdam. Brockport, Geiieseo. Fredoiiia. 
Cortland and lUiftalo. 

TeavJiers Institutes were legally established in 1847, although 
held as voluntary associations for some years previous, "^riie 
first was held at Tthaca, Toui])kins county. April 4, 1843, and 
lii other counties soon after. They were not recognized liy the 
State until they had become a fixed fact." 

The town of Portland accepted the provisions of the school 
law in April 1814, and claimed a portion of the public IHuid. 
and or<lered the assessment of a school tax. That year the 
tax was tliirty doUars, twice the amount of the public fund 
fi'om the State. The nmomit for I8l."> is not stated, but for 
181G and 1817 i: Avas thii-ty dollars each year, and in I8P> 
sixt}' dollars. The tax upon tiie town for school purposes in 
1829, the year the to\\ai assumed its present proportions, was 
$84.76, and in 18G7 it was $448.21. 

The amoruits raised each year by tax will be found in tiie 
table of taxes, under the head of "Schools." 

For the past thirty-eight j'^eai'S the town has liail a small but 
permanent school fund, in addition to the above, tlie interest 
of which is yearly drawn and applied as other funds are 
applied. This fund was created in 18:^3 from the poor fluids 
in the hands of the overseers of the poor in town, by a vote at 



128 HlSn/KK Al, SKKTr'HKS OF 

a special town tiieetiiig- lielil at the house of llobeit K. liavnes. 
inn-keeper, iioav owned and occui>ied !>> ( ) Jennev Greene, 
on January 29. 1H83. The meetino- had heeii called for the 
express ]Hirpose. The act of the Legislature} of April 21), l'^29. 
din^ctiiig that every to\«i abolishing the distinction between 
town and county poor, should by vote designate how and for 
what purposes they would apply the poor funds of the town 
if any in the hands of the overseers. At this meeting it \va^ deter- 
mined by a large majority to apply it for the support of 
eonnnon schools, and at the annua! town meeting following, 
it was resolved that the --poor fmid. amounting to $-460.54 be a 
ptMinanent fund, the inttn'est only applicable for the support 
of schools." The amount w;i.s immediately loaned by the 
commissioners of schools and the payment secured by mort- 
gage upon real estate. The interest is apportioned as oth(^r 
funds are apportioned for the districts of the town, yet 
separately. 

The amount of pn1)lic funds apportioned to the tc^wn from 
all sources for school purposes in 1871 was $1,886.13. 

Edvli/ School, Ti'iii'lu-rn. The first school taught in t()\Mi 
was by Miss Anna l'>at<m. a sister of David I^^.aton, Esq.. on 
the premises ol" Capt. James Dunn, in IS 10. INIiss Katon 
came to the wilderness of Portland with her brother and 
mother in 180(). (See biographical sketches). She Avas an 
estimal'le yomrg lady and was long remembered by those 
amoiiL;" wlmm she spent tlte early years of her pioneer life. 
Previous to this she had taught at the Crossroads, now 
Westfield. and one term ;;t ••Colt's Station. ' scmie seven miles 
south of Nortli-lvist. Pa., and one term at what is now Ripley. 
She followed teaching until 181.5. when she married Solomon 
Xichols, removed to ( >neida county, tliis State, and died 
therein December. l.S;U. 

AiKU'sriM: Ki.rvrpii : Mr. K. tnught the tii'st and only school 
in the small log s("hool-hons'^ built in 1810. th(> Hrst built in 
the town, ariil i-efcrjcd to as stauthng nearly o])posite the ••old 



Tim TOWN OF POUTLAND. 12'.> 

stone school -house" ill tiic winter of 1 SI 0-11. (See bioyraph- 
ical sketches). 

Poi.r.v Price : Tanijfht oiu- termina small log lmildin<;, stand- 
ing- in the field nearly in front of the residence of the late 
David Eaton, in the suniniei- of 1811. She also taught in 
Salem X Koads, (Brocton) one term and in District No. 4 one 
t(?rm. She Avas the daughter of John Price, the first settler of 
the farm now owned and occupied by Edward McGaiTall. 
She is supposed to he. still livdng in Iowa. 

D.vvii) Eaton: Taught in the log school house referred to as 
standing in the orchard o1" Cullen Uurr. on lot 34, 'V. 5 in 
part o1 the house of J. S. We.-;t. in the ^raiter of 1813-14. 
He (Himmenced his school in Dcccjmber, tanglit one 
month, then volunteered for a campaign on the (Janatlian 
frontier iii the war of 1S12: w^as absent two uionths, 
retui-niiig in March, when he resumed his place in the 
school and kept through the term. He kept a second 
term in this house. He was a successful teacher. 

Eru A\ A. Fav: Came from White Hall. N'ermont, in 
181 I. and taught school in the log house on the Cullen 
J>uiT farm, in the winter of 1814-1.^. He returned to 
Verjuont in 1817 oi- '18. 

Sn.As DiNSMoin;: Taught schoool in the log house that 
b^aton taught in. in the winter of 18li)-'l(i. He was 
nineteen \ears of age, a \v(^ll educated, shrewd and more 
than commonly intelligt'iil young man. and a litth; eccentric 
withal. The next wintei- he taught in Cauadaway, now 
Fredonia ; and was afterward emploj^ed by the United States 
(xovernment as a surveyor of public lands in Alabama and 
sent to that state with a l>arty equipped lor the work to 
be accomplished, and for a long sojourn in those inhos 
pitable wilds. He was a young man miyieldingly strict with 
reference to his language, both in sp(;aking and Avriling. 
ami indisposed to tolerate in any one no mattei- what 



130 HisToracAL sketches of 

his position, the least departure from the rules of syn- 
tax, oi- a strict construction of iiwt. While enga^-ed in 
the discharge of his duties, he received a letter from the 
head of one of the departments at Washington, under 
whose direction the survey was l:)eing conducted, asking 
for information with reference to th.e progress of his work, 
and some facts with reference to the country, its soil, 
surface, streams etc, and amongst other things the secre- 
tary saiil: •■In yoiir reply to this please be kind enough 
to inft)rm me with reference to some of the larger 
streams of that portion of the comitry, and in particular 
how far the ''r<)mbigl)tH' runs u}t into the state.' In the 
reply of jVIi-. Dinsmore he said : "I have the honor to 
acknowledge the receijit of j'ouis of the — iilt, and to 
inform you thjit the Tombigbee does not )'t(n up at all."' 
For this considered to be tlisrespectfril reply, though 
dictated with no such si)irit. he lost his place as surveyor 
for the government. The secretary wrote him by return 
mail as follows : "I have the honoi' to infonn you that 
the L'^nited States Government has no further need of 
yoiu' services." The above inci<lent has been related 
of that inveterate wag Lieut. Derby, alias Jolm Plienix ; 
but the older settlers of Portland well remember the 
circumstance, and the actor to have heeu no other than 
the Poitland pe<lagogne. 

Miss Wii.i.orc.iii'.v: Taugiit school in the now district 

No. I) before its organizatiim. in the house of Simon l>nrton 
ami Oliver Spattbrd in the years IS 17-' IS and "i!>. 

Miss Ktmi'.ai.i. : Taught the first school at Salem X 

Roads, no\v Brocton in the summiT of IS 19. [See 
Description of .School Districts. No. (>.] She was the 

daughter (»f Jviinball. a slioemaker. living in u small 

house not fai' from the ])resent house on the "Coney 
Fai-m." on northwest part of lot 1!>. T. 5. The family 
movetl west soon after. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 131 

LrivK DiiiR'^' : (./lime from Eastern New York, taught 
school ill the frame school house, the first built in towi^ 
oil the "Ijowdish P'arui," iu the winter of 1817-'IH. [See 
l>iog. Sketclies, P. Kane.] lie was the first teacher 
oecu])ying that house. 

GiLi.KTi' Uacon : [See Biog. Sketches.] Mr. Jiacon 
taught school in the frame house on the "Bowdish Farm" 
in the winter of 1818-'19: the third teacher occupying 
the house. 

Jkwhtt I'liniE: Taught school in tlie log school house 
on the east side of the creek at Brocton in the winter 
of 1810 "20. [See i)escrii)tion of District No. fi, also Biog. 
Sketches.] 

John Nevins : Taught school in the frame house on 
tlie "Bowdish Farm" on lot 3o, T. o, in the winter of 
ISlO'.iO. He came from Forestville in this county. 

Hrciii Low If v: Taught in the schoolhouse near E. 
Saunders' house standing on the northwest part of lot 55, 
T. 4, nearly in front of the hoiise of Mr. Saunders, in 
the winter of 1 822-'2:i. 

Mm'h.da Ilii.iiiKr: Taught in the log schoolhouse on 
lot 55. T. 4. (See No. 13) in the summer of 1822. 

]Mai;v Ann Dkaki. : Tauglit in the log liouse on the 
east side of the creek at Brocton in the summer of 182o 
Slie was the daughter lt)f Eli Drake, w4io lived in one 
of the very few log houses between Fredonia and Dunkii-k 
on Central Avenue, on the east side and nearly in fi-ont 
of tlie hotel of A. M. Hunt. She is now tlie wife of 
Kdimmd Day, of the town of Dunkirk. 

John Bk i:: Taught in the log house (m lot 55. T. 5, 
(See No. 13) also in District No. 4, in Judsoii District. 
The date is not remembered. He came from WestHeld. 
where his father lived. 



132 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Nathanikl Lowrv : Taught iii District No. 4, "Judsous," 
but the year is not remembered. He was the son of 
Wm. Lowry; came from Peinisylvania and lived in Westiield. 

Betsey Thayi:k : Tauglit for a term in town quite 
early, but the date and the district are not remembered. 
She was a sister of Mrs. Reuben B. Patcli. 

Austin Stone : Taught in the " old frame house " on the 
"Bowdish farm,"' but the date has passed fi'om memory. 
He was a son of Deacon Stone and a brother of Lester Stone 
of Westiield. 

Julia Ann Towek : Daughter of John Towei'. taught in the 
•'old frame house"' on the "Bowdish farm" in the summer of 
1 824 or 1 825. 

Watekm.^n Dalee : Son of .1 . AV. Dalee. taught m No. 4. 
Judson's district, })rol)ably in 1820 or "27. or both. He was a 
brother of INIrs. T. Judson. 

Alexandek Montgomery : Timght half of a temi m the log- 
house on lot 55, T. 4, [see No. 13] and half a term in the "old 
frame house"' on the Bowdish farm, the last school tauglit in 
that house, in the winter of 1827-28. He was a sou of Deacon 
James Montgomery of AVestlield. H<' became a clergyman 
and died some years later. 

l^ELEG Whittekidge : Tauglit in district No. 4 in tlie wintei 
of 1820-21. 

Most of the teachers above noted did not belong to tlie 
town of Portland, but came liere for the piupose of teaching 
and when relieved left town. There were several others who 
taught within the time included in the above but very little is 
remembered of them. 

The late Dr. S{[uire \\ lute ol" Predonia. is said )iy hi.s 
biograjihei' to havi- taught the tirsl school in the comity of 
Chautauqua in the Aviuter of 1808-9. Tliis is i undoubtedly a 
mistake. A school was taught tor two or three months at the 
micieiit crossroads in the summer oi" 1800 by a young lady 
whose name it is to be regretted cannot now be called to 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 138 

mind, and one also in tlie summer of 1807 at the same place 
l)y Anna Eaton, a sister of the late David Haton, Esq.. of 
Portland. 

Eiirli/ Library Assocudfon. — After due notice a meeting of 
the inhabitants of the to\vn of Portland was held at the school 
house in south district No. 3, standing on lands now owned 
by Daniel Uritcher, Nov. 1), 1824, to consider the propriety of 
forming a Libraiy Association. Da\ad Eaton was called to 
the chair, when the following resolutions were presented, dulj- 
(hscusse<l and unanimously adopted: 

That we proceed to organize oruselves into a society 
agreeably to the provisions of an act entitled "An act to 
incorporate sucii })ers(nis as may associate for the piu'pose of 
procuring and erecting public libraries in this state.," passed 
April 1. 17<»fi. 

Tljat the society sliall be known by the name of '• Portland 
Lihrarij." 

Tlie followii^g persons tlien signed the act, viz.: Robert K. 
Barnes. Frederick Uaile. Elisha Fay. John R. (Vmey, Joseph 
Taylor. Walter Mmnford, Luther Crosby, John Potter, Joshua 
S. West. David Dunn. Horace Clough, Ahira Hall, David 
Carpenter. Reuben W. Toweiv David Eaton, Cephas Bramard. 
Nathaniel Fay. Calvin Barnes, William Dmm, Elisha Arnold, 
Samuel Anderson, jr.. Pars<ms Taylor, Erastus Price, Ebenezer 
Harris. Justin Taylor. Reuben Taylor, jr., and Jesse Baldwin. 

One hundred dollars was then subscribed for the purchase 

of books. 

The folhjwing were elected as trustees of the association- 
viz.: Cephas Brainavd. Nathaniel Fay, Jt'sse Baldwin. 
Parsons Taylor. .John R. Coney, Ebenezer HaiTis. David 
Eaton. 

This act was ai-knowlcdged Xovembei' 10. 1 824:. before 
Isaac HaiTQon. one of the judges of tlie county, and recorded 
iu the county clerk's otTfice December 28. 1824, by John Dexter, 
countv clei-k. 



134 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XXIT. 

Churches — First Religious Meetiug — Subsequent Meetings — Congregational Churoh 
When Formed, by whom and where, where meet — Second Church formed, its 
'Officers, Preacher.i, &c. — Houses built — -Societies formed, &c. 

The fii'st public religious meeting held in toAvn was at the 
tavern of Capt. James Dunn, on the well known Dimn farm, now 
owned and occn])ied by Jolm Dudley, part of lot 30. T. '). some 
time in 1810. Tlie preacher. Rev. John Spencer, discoursed 
from the text: "For my yoke is easy and my burden light." 
Not over half a dozen were present besides the family of Mr. 
Dunn. Previous to this for a year some two or thi'ee were hi 
the habit of meeting- for prayer in some of the veiy few 
shanties then in town. 

Mr. Spencer preached hi town occasionally for some years 
after this, sometimes on the Sabl)ath but usually on a week 
day evening-. These services with an occasional evening 
lecture by some traveling minister were the only public 
services for some three oi- tVnir j^ears. The first regular 
meetings for religious Sabbath worship were instituted at the 
log tavern house of Peter Ingersoll on the McKenzie 
farm, on the opposite side of the road from the present 
dwelling on lot 41, T. .5, in 1814. They were usually 
conducted by Mr. ^\masa West, then a teacher at the 
ancient cross roads, now Westtield. who afterward becaiiK 
a jjreacher and labored in the soirtli part of the count}, 
and afterward in the west. "Some one would read a 
printed sermon, and a small choir of singers would perform 
that part of the service in leal Billings style of mxTsic : 
and sang- such good old tunes as Ocean, Lenox. Bridgewater. 



1 



THE TOWN OK I'OHl'I.ANl). 135 

and others of tlie same stamp. Tliese meetini-s were 
iisually well attended, and conducted witli order and 
decency." They were continued with some interruption 
until 1818, and were the germ from which spnmg the 
Congregational churcli in Portland, which was instituted 
in that year. Many are the amusing anecdotes related of 
the mistakes and ])lundors of some of those taking pai"t in 
these early meetingvS, some of which it might suit our purpose 
to report had we space to spare. 

iVs above stated the first Congregational church in 
Portland was formed in 1 8 ' 8. This was accomplislied on 
January Slst of that year, by Eev. Ji)hn Spencer, at tlie 
house of John l^h archill, a log house standing iinmediately 
in front of the {)resent residence of Dea. A. L. Blowersj 
on lot 38, T. 5. This house was removed and the 
present one built by Dea. Dana Churcliill in 1855. The 
names presented of those to become original members, 
were John House, Wm. Couch, Augustine Klumph, Jabez 
Ilulbiu-t, David Eaton, Jolni Chm-clull, Sylvester Churchill, 
Zachariah H. Price, Joanna House, Abigail Couch, Wilson 
Andrews, Andrew Kelsey, Frederick Couch, Mary 
Eaton, Lovisa Hulbui't, Mercy Eaton. Keziah Andrews, 
Nancy McClintock. Eighteen in all. For sometime no 
stated preaching was had, but about once a year Mr. 
Spencer came to the settlements and preached and admin 
istered tlie sacrament. For one or two years, or about 
1820, Rev. Phineas Camp, then i:>reaclung at the cross 
roads, preached once in three or foiu' weeks. Rev. iVIr. 
Oaks some years later preached at Westfield and divided 
his time witli the Poi-tland church as Mr. Camp had done. 
There were several additions to the church during the 
first }'ears of its existence, the number being thirty-eight 
in 1823, and fifty-two at a later period; but from causes 
not easy to define or express, it was not a prosperous 
church, but after eight or ten }'ears and after experi- 
encing many trials and passing through troubles of 



136 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OT 

various chai-actei', to all intents and jtuiposes as a chiircli 
it ceased to exist; some of the iiiembers uniting Avith the 
Westlield eliurch. and otiiers losing tlieir standing entirely 
as membei's of any clnncli. 

A society was formed in connection with tliis church 
at the house of Jolm Churchill, and tlie act of incoipo- 
ration bears date June 211h. 1S22, and is ivcorded in the 
county clerk's office aiul attested by John Dexter, clerk, 
two days after its exetnition. The act is signed and 
sealefl by \N'm. Couch and Wm. A. Stetson, :ind witnessed 
l)y David Kalon and Krastus I'rice. Tlu! iicknowledgment 
was taken by Hon. Jolm C^riuu! of l<'i-edonia. The society 
was known as "The first Ccmgregatifnial society of the 
town of Portland." The first trustees "vere Frederick 
Couch. Wilson ^Indrews an<l Wilder Emerson. 

No decided eft'ort \v;is made to reorg;niize the church 
until the year 188H. The moial element during these 
intermediate years cttmoared favorably with that of any 
conununity under like circuinstances. The population had 
increased rapidly, and the (;hiisti.iu element fidly kept 
pace with tliis influx. In duo time the propriety of a reorgan- 
ization was entertained. ;ind according to notice and previous 
arrangement a meeting was heUl foi' that purpose at the 
•'stone school house'" in school (hstrict No. o, Marcli Kitli. 
lS;i8. liev. 1). 1). (iregory of Fredonia. and TIev. Timothy 
Stillman of Dunkirk, had been appointed a committee l>y 
liuttalo I'leshytery. for the purp(»se of such oiganizati(Ui. 
whicli was to be (tlecteil u])()n t]u- ••accomuiod.ifiou 
plan — a (Jongregatiomd <-iiurch under rare of P|■esb^ tery- 
liev. '1'. Stilhnan was appptnuted modei-ator and Clark 
(touUI (derk of the present meeting. After a sermon l)y 
the niodei-ator trom Philemon, first clause of the tweidietli 
\erse. the following persons presented themseh es t'oi' mem- 
bei'ship and were duly organized into a churcdi by the 
usual ceremonies, under the name of --The tii'st Congre 
i:-ati(mal chui'cli of I'orthuiii. Tiuiotliv Judsou. Samue 



i 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 137 

Hall, Abigail Thompson and Pliebe Mathewson with letters 
from the Presbyterian cliuivh at Fredonia ; (^lark (ionld, 
Klisha Cook, C'larinda ('ook, Alvin Cook, Catharine Cook, 
Kliza Cook and Aiisoii Driygs witli letters from the Pres- 
byterian church at Westtield: Nathan G. Jones and Mary 
Eaton, members of the church tbrmed by Mr. Spencer in 
1818; and Samuel Walker, Dana Chiirchill and Minerva 
Churcliill. formerly members of clnux-hes at a distance, who 
imited on jjrofession. Dana Cluirchill and Alvin C'ook were 
chosen deacons and ^vere set apart to that otHce. Clark 
Gould w IS cliosen clerk. Maria Chiuchill was received on 
profession, and was the first accession. A resolution was 
then jjassed placing the church under the care of the 
Buffalo Presbytery. Of the sixteen original members but 
two remain : 'Mrs. Eliza Cook of Girard, Pennsylvania, and 
Mrs. ^linerva Churchill, still living in Portland. Some 
have emigrated, but most liave gone to Iheir I'est. 

It would be interesting to trace the membershii^ from 
the organization to the jsresent. but such a research would 
rfnjuire more time than we have at command. The whole 
membership the iirst of" November 1869, was eighty — 
'uales twenty eight, females fifty-two. The greatest mem- 
iiership at any one time was eighty-eight. 

For some years after its organization the church was 
feeble and the members few. Meetings were held with 
occasional j)reaching in tlie brick schoolhouse, some years 
since removed, in school district Xo. 8, sometimes in the 
schdolhouse standing on the coiner of John Fleming's 
bind on lot 30. opposite the present resilience of Thomas 
(Viiigley. now removed and occupied by Mrs. Delia (rator 
as a dwelling ; and for S(tme time in a store building 
on the southeast corner at tlie Center, opposite the 
tavern building of E. D. Fuller, and nov\' occui^ied by the 
family of Mr. Asahel Peck as a dwelling : and for a time 
in the M. E. Church by permission. The following clergy 
men labored with the church for the terms s[)ecitied: Rev. 



138 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



A. W. Gray half the time for one year, from October 
1833 to October 1834 ; Calvin Gray from February to June 
1838; W. J. Wilcox from June 1838 to February 1839; 

A. W. Gray from spring of 1841 to July 1, 1845; 
X. H. Barnes one year, or to July 1 84G ; L. F. Laiue from 
July 5th, 1846. to June 1800; I. I. St. John for three years, 
or to spring of 1864; Courtney Smith fi-om May 1st, 1865, 
to May 1st, 1869. The labors of these pastors were in the 
main acceptable. 

The society formed in connection with the churcli \vas 
reorganized on the 30th day of April 1833, about six weeks 
after the organization of the churcli, under the name of 
"The fii-st Congregational society in the town of Port 
land," agreeably to the act for the incorporation of religiou>< 
societies, passed .Vpril 5th, 1813. The act of incorpora- 
tion bears date as above, and was recorded in tlie county 
clerk's office on the 31st of December following, in Liber 2 of 
Miscellaneous Records, at page 259. It was organized at 
the schoolliouse in distiict No. — in the west ])''>rtion of 
Centerville, the deacons of the church, .\lvin Cook and 
Dana Churchill, presiding. The first trustees were Samuel 
Hall, Asa Andrews, Timothy Judson, Wm. Curtis, Clark 
Gould and Anson Driggs. The act was witnessed by 
David Eaton, and the a<;knowledgment taken by Hon. Thomas 

B. Campbell. 

Up to 1840 the churcli and society had held meetings 
at various places as before stated, and mnch to their dis- 
advantage. During that year the pi'oject of the erection 
of a house of worslii}) was agitated and a subscription 
was circulate<l for the purpose of raising fmids for tliat 
object. Although the church and society were poor, such 
was tlie success of those having the matter in charge, 
iliat they were authorized to enter into contract with 
James Quigley to erect the house so long since occupied by 
the church and society, for the sum of $l,<)i)0. About 
Iwo-thivds of this sum was to be paid in lumber and 



THE TOAVN OF PORTLAND. 13') 

material foi' building, tlie rest in cash. A portion of that 
old subscription is here given as a relic of hard times with 
the society: Timotliy Judson $100, one half in material an<l 
labor; Hubbard S. Wells, $100; Thomas Quigley, $100, 
half in labor and material ; James Quigley, $10o ; Dana 
Churcliill, $100, one-foui'th m lumber and one fourth in 
labor; Anson Driggs, $50, one-fourth in labor, one-fourth 
in stone, one-fourth timber, one-fourth himber ; John 
Chxirchill, $60 ; Luther Clark, $50, one-half m lumber and 
labor: Henry Reynolds, $40 ; Alfred W. Gray, $100; J. H. 
Hulburt, $5 ; Chaunccy Hulburt, $5 in lumber ; David Hul- 
hxat, $5 in lumber ; J. M. Brown, $15 in painting; Wm. 
Clark, $30 in pine lumber ; Christopher Brown, $10 ; Mar- 
tin Quigley, $30 in joiner work; 8. M. Granger, $1 in 
work ; Daniel P. Bowdish, $1 ; Abram Bowdish, $10 in 
lumber ; John Tower, $3 in work laying stone ; D. 
B. Granger, $2.50 in lumber; Orson Reynolds, $3; 
Daniel Tabor ; $1; Wm. Gary, $15 in labor and lumber; 
Tames Pratt, $5 in carpenter work ; Samuel Hall, $20, half 
in lumber ; Samuel Brown, $10 in lumber ; Isaac Mills, 
$3 in labor and lumber; R K. Barnes, $20 in leather and 
shoemaking; John R. (^oney, $30 m boarding and lumber; 
John Wilber, $2.50; H. G. Crossmond, $3; Simeon Whit- 
comb, $30 in labor and lumber; Abner B. Bebee, $15 in 
lumber and timber ; R. S. Morrison, $5 -, — Kelley, $5 in 
blacksmithing ; Persons Taylor, $10; Almc Taylor, $3; B. 
F. Pecor, $15 in luml)er ; and for bell J^10 ; Austin D. 
Haines, $50 ; ^V. W. Condar, $10 ; Hiram A. Haight, $50. 

From the reports lo the society from time to time by 
tlie trustees, it is seen that notwithstanding the appar- 
( ntly liberal subscription, there was a sufficiently trouble- 
some finale to the financial concerns of the enterprise. 

The land upon which the church stands was pui'cliase<l of 
James Quigley for the sura of $100. Mr. Quigley com- 
menced the house in the spring of 1811 and completed 



140 



HISTORIOAL .SKETCHES OF 



it in September of the same year. It was dedicated the 
same fall. 

The society were the better able to biiild their house 
through tlie munificence of the Holland Land Company, 
who granted one hundi-ed acres of land to the first relig- 
ious society organized in each town on the Purchase. 
This grant was made by Mr. Paul Busti, the general 
agent of the Company at Philadelphia, while on a visit to 
the land office at Batavia, N. Y . in the fall of 1820. This 
grant however was so modified afterward that the land was 
divided in most instances, between the several religious 
societies in town. The Congiegational society in Portland 
received 33^ acres, part of lot 11, T. 5. which was 
afterward sold to Channcey Hill for ^17(5. This sum with in- 
terest fi-om the time of sale to 1841, amomited to $217 — at 
that time quite an item considering the stiingency of the 
times and the povei-ty of the society. The (56^ acres 
was divided between the Methodist and Baptist societies 
then organized. 

The sheds in the rear of the chui'ch edifice were erected 
in the fall of 1841 by private enteiprise. and as private 
property. The tiiistees at this time were Luther Clark. 
Henry Keynolds and Timothy Judson. 

The church and society were never strong — never 
attained to a vigorous groAvth, yet maintained a healthy 
existence up to the siimmer of 18G8. the last year of the 
pastorate of IJev. C. Smith, when an unfortunate differ- 
ence of opinion resulted in a di^dsion. For some years 
previous a quiet yet earnest discussion had been going 
on among many of the members with reference to the 
propriety of a change of church polit}'. from that of the 
Congregational t-i that of the Presbyterian — a ch.ange of 
the government of the church from that of a iDiu'ely 
democratic to a I'epresentative form, withoiit in any way 
affecting the doctiines, sacrament, or forms of worship. 

After due notice, at a meeting of the church on the 



THE TOWN' OF PORTLAND. 1 + 1 

lltli of Noveinl)er. ISfJS. ;i cliange was effected l)y :i 
decisive vote of 88 to 22. A portion t)f tlie cliun^i, liow 
evei-, dissented ana refused to acknowledge tlie validity of 
the change : lience tlie separation. It is a matter of 
sincere i-egret. ttiat, after passing tlirongh so many trials 
and hardships as a chin'ch. and after lalioi'ing so many 
years and expending so mnch toil and treasnre in estab- 
lishing a l)ranch of Zion. it should become divided from 
so trivial a cause, and its usefulness impaired and nearly 
dcstroved. 



142 HISTOKICAI. SKETCllKS OI" 



CHAPTER XXni. 

Rev. John Spp:icer. 

Rev. Jolui Spencer was in some resj^ects a remarkable 
man, and a& he was the founder of the first church 
formed in Portland, and the pioneer missionary to the 
Holland Pui'chase, it is proposed to devote a brief space 
to a notice of his life and 8er\'ices. He was born at 
SpencertoMai in the town of Ansterlitz, Columbia county 
in this state, in 1758. "The first settlers in that region 
came fi-om southern Massachusetts and northern Connect- 
icut. Among them the Spencers were prominent, and 
gave their name to the principal settlement, where a 
flotu'ishing Congregational church was formed, o%er which 
several doctors of divinity have presided. It is now a 
Presbyterian church. Mr. Sjiencer was of the same family 
with Hon. Ambrose Spencer, and more nearly related to 
the late Joshua A. Spencer and Dr. Ichabod S. Spencer. 
His early education was only tliat' of the common scliool. 
He arrived at manhood in the stirring times of the revo- 
lution, and was a participant in the events of tliat period. 
He served earl}- and long in our armies, first in the 
troops of Massachusetts and afterward in those of his 
native state. He entered a private, rose to be an officer, 
and served some time as the aid of the gallant Col. 
Willetts. He used to say when interrogated about his 
education, that he was educated in the continental army. 
Although his education was so limited, he wrote and spoke 



THE XOWN OF PORTLAND. 143 

English with gi-eat accuracy. He had much intellectual 
acuteness, and was noted for the keenness of his wit." 

The author is not able to say at what time Mr. Spencer 
became a professor of religion, but it is probable that it 
was not until he was past twenty-five years of age. Foi' 
many years thereafter he was in the "habit of assisting 
in public worship by leading- in prayer and reading ser- 
mons. There were but few ministers in that region, and 
it was believed by his friends that he would be useful 
as a preacher of the gospel. Such was his love for the 
work of his Master, the proposition was at once enter- 
tained, and with great promjitness he set about prejtaration 
for the arduous duties of the jiosition. He was living 
at that time in that part of the, town of Worcestei', 
Otsego county, which is now Maryland, then a new settle- 
ment. After spending a little time in theological studies 
with the Rev. Dr. David Porter, then pastor of the 
church at Spencertown, he presented himself for license to 
the Kortliern Associated Presbytery, and was licensed by 
that body on the 20th of October, 1800. His certificate 
of license is still in existence, signed by Dr. Porter. He 
was ordained by the same body at Stillwater in October, 
1801. Although imiting with the Presbyter3% Mr. Spencer 
was a decided Congi-egationalist, and for some time before 
coming to this county in 1807, he was a member of the 
Oneida Association; but at tlie formation of the Niagara 
Presbyter}' he , became a member of that body, cousideiing 
tlie plan of union adopted by the General Association of 
Connecticut and the Presbyterian General Assembly for 
the care of churches in the new and sj)arsely settled 
regions of the west, binding on him as a missionary from 
Connecticut. Most of the churches founded by him, and 
all in Chautauqua county, became connected with that 
body, retaining, howe\'er, their own forms of government 
and modes of procedure." Mr. Spencer was forty-two 
years of age when he was licensed to preach. Some years 



144 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

after his licensure he accepted a commission from the 
Missionary Association of t'onnecticut, and removed witli 
his family to this comity in ' 807, and settled in the now 
town of Sheridan. He at once commenced tlie duties of 
his missionary life. He was not above the medium size, 
but very strong and muscular and capable of great endur- 
ance. His ''continental' education no doubt fitted him for 
the service he })erformed in this wilderness. He was 
plain and simple in all liis habits, and could readily adapt 
liimself to all circumstances. Dui'ing liis missionary life 
he uniformly wore a black coat and brown corduroy 
small clothes. His coat was strong but ratlier coarse 
material, and always of tlie same cut. Soon after he 
began to travel in this county, he visited Olean, then a 
small place and far removed fi'om any other white settle- 
ment, and preached there. Some ten years after he again 
visited the place and preached. At the close of tlie service 
a man partially deranged accosted him: "Mr. Minister," 
said he, "you preached here ten years ago," naming the 
time and place. "I think I was here about that time," said 
]\Ir. Spencer. "I knew you was," said the man, "and you 
wore the very same coat and breeches you have on now." 
"As a preacher lie was remarkably clear and logical, 
always making himself distinctly luiderstood. He used to 
l^reach a sermon on the Divine sovereignty, which was a 
very compact and logical argument. A gentleman who 
lieard it, said to him, "JVIi-. Spencer, I heard your seimon ; 
it is very able ; I cannot answer it, but I do not believe 
a word of it." "I am soriy to hear you say so," said 
Ml-. Spencer, "very little of it is muie; nearly all of it 
was taken from the Bible." It was in fact a skillful 
arrangement of texts l)earing upon the subject with apt 
illustrations from scripture history. At times he was 
tpiite impressive and appeared to feel deeply. I shall 
always remember the impressive manner in wliich he 
administered the Lor<rs Supper, and tlie last ])ublic prayer 



THK TOAVN OK PORVT.AND. 145 

I lieai'd him offer. I had supposed him rather formal hi 
prayer, but on that occasion he was exceedingly solemn 
and his utterances peculiarly appropriate and felicitous. 
A minister present remarked to me, 'Father Spencer is a 
giant.' "' 

David Eaton. Esq., one of the first settlers of Portland, 
thus writes in regard to him : "At first his labors were 
conthied to the main road from Batavia to Buffalo, and 
thence to Westfield. As new settlements were formed off 
the main road, he was sure to penetrate there and preach 
an evening lectiire, and preach on the Sabbath wherever 
that day overtook him. He was very formal in his 
devotional exercises, in words but not in manner. His 
prayers were uttered \iith. a great deal of earnestness and 
unction. He di'essed in the antique style of Revolutionary 
days, wore short breeches, with knee buckles, long stock 
ings and boots quite up to the knees. His di-ess being 
so peculiar, everybody knew him, bitt after many years 
his short clothes being pretty well worn, he foimd it 
necessary to refit and concluded to dress as others chd. 
and when he came ai'ound he was as a stranger amongst 
his fiiends. He was ver}- fond of social intercoui'se, loved 
a good joke and was full of anecdotes in conversation 
but not in his sermons. I have heard many people say 
that they never heard him relate the same anecdote more 
than once. In such a wide field of labor, there can be 
no doubt but he preached the same sermon many times, 
yet I never heai'd a person saj- they had heard that sermon 
before. He traveled on horseback, was indefatigable in 
penetrating every new settlement, and if any missionar}- 
ever earned his wages, he was the one. His salary was 
thi'ee hundi'ed dollars a year. He preached the fu'st 
sermon ever dehvered ui the present town of Port- 
land. His text was. '-For my yoke is easy and my burden 
is hght." He formed the first chixrch in town in 1818. He 
continued his labors as a missionarv until 1821 but the 



146 HISTORICAT> SKETCHES OF 

infirmities of age overtook him at last, and he was forced to 
resign. He settled for a time over a church in the present 
town of l^iisti, where he died, Aiigiist 24th, 1826. His 
remains were brought to Sheridan for burial, and the 
tombstone mai-king the spot stands near the road in a 
• •emetery two miles west of the 'Center.' 

"Many are the anecdotes which are told of him in his 
missionary days, but reference will be made to but lew. He 
was not only a good horseman, but an excellent judge of 
horses. Except his first engagement in this comity, which 
he 2)erformed on foot, he always traveled on horseback. 
His daughter Lydia, his (jnly sui-viving chihh thus writes 
respecting his labors: 'His only, or liis chief chance for 
study was wlien he was riding along in the woods. 
That he used his Bible and hymn l)ook much in all weathers, 
their soiled appearance will, attest. He always earned 
them in his coat pocket, and they are badly stained tlu'ough 
more than half the depth of their leaves. I have heard 
him say that beside all his other reading, he had read the 
Hible through by course eight times, while riding alone.' 

"For uiany years he rode a very large, poweifiil liorse 
which he obtained fi-om Mr. Goo<U"ich who kept tavern near 
Eighteen Mile Creek, on the road to IJuffalo, where Mr. 
Spencer often had occasion to stop. On one of these 
occasions, when he was about lea\'ing, liis horse which 
was a fine animal, attracted Mr. Goodrich's attention, who 
said, 'Mr. Spencer your horse is a fine one, and if you 
ever trade I shoiild like to exchange one I have for him.' 
.A[r. Spencer replied, 'I will look at joxir horse, Mr. Good- 
rich." The horse was produced, and Mr. Spencer rem:u'ked 
at once -How do 3'ou jjropose to trade, Mr. Goodi'ich ?' 
The answer was, *! think I ought to have yonr horse 
and twenty dollars for mine.' To which Mr. Sj^encei- 
replied, 'AVill yon take foi'ty dollars and never 
complain that the old minister cheated you !' 'I 
will,' said Mr. (Toodrich, and the exchange was made. 



THE TOAVN OF PORTLAND. 14:7 

Some time after Mr. Spencer again passed tliat way, and 
stopped as usual. Mr. Goodrich was unusually ])leasant 
and remarked, d thought I was smart in a horse trade, h\\t 
you are a great «leal smarter than I am, Mr. Spencer: T lind 
no fault, jow are welcome to call as often as you please.' 
h'rom that time he made no charge against Mr. Spencer 
— a courtesy never extended before."" 

Mr. Spencer foiuidedtliirteeii churches during his missionary 
life, and among them one in Sheridan in 1816, ouv in Ellicott 
in 1810, one in Portland in 18 1 8, o\w in Fred(mia and one in 
Sherman. 

He preached to and fostered tliesc clnu'ches as he had 
opportunity in his rounds until the close of his missionary life. 
He was miwavering in his faitli and indefatigable in sowing 
the seed <if the Kingdom. No man succeeded in laying a 
foundation for a larger religious interest and success on the 
"Purchase," but the full extent of this may never be kiunvn iii 
time. Eternity only will unfold it to view. 

Note. — For niauy of the lacts in the aliove sketch the writer is iiiilebtHd to 
the politeness of .Judge Hazcltine of .lamestowu, tliis eomity. 



14:8 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OK 



CHAPTER XXIV. 



Methodist Church. 



The writer is exceedingly sorry that he is obHged to present 
so meagre an accovmt of epaly Methodism in Portland. There 
is not the least trace of records of the chtu'ch or society 
for many years and he is obliged to pass the early liistory 
almost in silence. There were doubtless many facts and 
incidents of interest that it would be profitable to record that 
will never be knowTi. For what he has given as occurring 
previous to 1 838 he has been obliged to di'aw upon the memory 
of the onl}' sui-viving member of the first class formed in 
town, M];. Simon Bui'ton. 

The M. E. church was the second church formed in town. 
The first member of the order was William Dunham, who 
settled on lot 32, T. 5, a little west of the present residence of 
J. E. Harris, in 1816. Hardly had he become settled in his 
log cabin ere he began holding meetings on the Sabbath at his 
house, and soon called about him a few of like spirit who were 
fonned into a class the next year (1817), June 9, by Rev. — 
— Godard, whose circuit extended from Cattaraugus creek to 
Erie, Pa., and was called the Chautauqua circuit. The 
members of that first class were William Dunham, Lucy 
Dunham, Isaac Bakhvin, Parthena Baldwin, William Correll, 
Barbara CoiTell, Abial Flint, Mary Flint, Simon Burton. 
Mr. Dunham may l)e called the father of Methodism in 
Portland. The first additions to the class were Elisha Fay 
and Mrs. Sophia Fay, Parsons Taylor and Mrs. Taylor and 



THE TOWN OF I'OKTLANl). 149 

Mrs. Thompson, sometime early in 1818. In that year 

(1818) a protracted meeting was commenced nnder the 
charge of Rev.'s Summerville and Hatton, in the log barn of 
"Father Dunham," that continued for two or three weeks and 
resulted in a large ingathering, insomuch that the old settlers 
still sj)eak of it as the "great reformation." Not long after 
its close another class was formed on the south road and large 
additions were made during the season. The classes met foi' 
the larger portion of the time at private houses, occasionally 
in one of the two or three schoolhouses accessible. The first 
class-leaders in town were William Dunham, Isaac Baldwin, 
Elisha Fay. The oldest members of the church in town have 
no recollection of the formation of a church, as such, by any 
ceremony. 'S hey report tliat some time late in 1818 or early 
in 1819 the two or three classes, for the better accommodation 
of preachers, were united in one class, "and the work was 
done ; " a very sim)»le and primitive style, but who shall say 
that it was not just as efficient for good and as binding on the 
heart and conscience as though they had given their assent to 
creeds, covenants and articles of faith. Tliere was no regular 
preaching to the church for several years. The circuit was 
large and the preachers sent to the charge were obliged to 
occupy from one to two ^veeks in filling their appointments. 
But such are the efficient workings of the system of Methodism 
that its influence was felt and appreciated by the settlers 
through the employment of the gifts of the laity. They held 
their meetings at various points as they Avere able to obtain 
the privilege, and for three or four years previous to the 
building of the first cluirch edifice, in the large hall of the 
house now OAvned by ( ). Jerome Greene, on south part of lot 
84, T. 5, experiencing many vicissitudes of fortrme in this 
respect mitil 1835 when the first church edifice was built. 
We have no means of knowing anything definite in regard to 
the earlier preachers or the earlier members except the first 
class, so we pass them by. From the small beginnings we 
liave seen they grew to be a large and strong church, 



150 HISTOBICAL SKETCHES OF 

considering tbe porei-ty of the settlers. From its eai'liest'l 
bistorr to the present it has occupied a conimandiug position 
and numbered among its member's a fail- share of the 
l>rominent and inHuential citizens of town. The number ot: 
members now in the original ehm-ch at Portland Center is 
males. 28 : females. 41 : total. 69. 

In 1853 a portion of this chru'ch imiting vrith a class ot: 
'•Hannon Hill" foimed a chtirch at Salem X Eoads now 
Brocton. Eev. T. D. Blinn being then in charge, which at 
tliis date. April. 1873. nimibers males. 25: females. 50; total. 7." 

The fii"st society/ foimed in connection ^vith this chiu'ch wa- 
in 1822 at the house of James Bennett, on the farm now 
owned by J. 8. "Weld, on lot 31. T. 5. under the direction of 
Eev. Nathaniel Header, a local preacher. li\'ing on part of lot 83. 
T. 5. land now owned by INIrs. Bush. This society was foimed 
for the pmi^ose of seeming and holding real estate gi-anted by 
the Holland Company to religions associations in 1820. The 
act of incorporation was probably recorded bnt the ■niiter has 
not been able to find it. It seems to have had an existence at 
least as late as 1828. as the deed of the land spoken of was 
dated December 12. that year, and given to James Bemiett and 
others, tiiistees. 

This society, however, was reorganized Febmaiy 3. 1834. 
imder the name of the "Fust M. E. Society in Portland." the 
former having lost its identity and its acts become illegal fi-om 
some infoimality in the choice of officers. The meeting for 
such reorganization was held at the schoolhouse in district Xo. 
10. Darius "Williams and Asahel Peck presiding and Josepli 
Morley being clerk. The fii'st trustees were John A. 
Showeiman. Hiram Banett and Nicholas Lake. The act was 
acknowledged before Hon. T. B. Camj^bell on the 17th of the 
same month and recorded the 21st. The fiist church edifice 
was built at Portland Center in 1835. The lot was pmx-hased 
of A. B. Bebee by David Showennau ajid Joseph Lockwood 
and donated to the society. The house is still standing and is 
the dwelling of William Clark, which with the lot was sold to 



' THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 151 

him in 1 868 for ^600. It was used as a place of worship rnitil 
the present house was dedieated. wliich was built in 18G8 at a 
cost of s"-' >'*•>• The lot upon which it stands was jjiu-chased 
of Ledyaid Douglass for 8300. the deed bearing date May 12. 
18(58. The parsonage at Poiiland Center was built by 
subscription in 1^4:3. The chiuch at J5rocton. a i>art of the 
original cluux-h. was organized in 1853. Theii- house of 
worship, standing in the eastern poilion of the village, was 
built in 1 853 by ^Ir. Samuel Crandall at a cost to the society 
of S2,5()0. The lot was pru'chased of OKver B. Elmore, the 
deed beaiing date May 18. 1854. The sheds in the re:u- of 
the house were built ia 1871 at i^rivate expense. 

The chiuch and society have been hu-gely prospered and 
have enjoyed the labors of a class of preachers that would 
do no discredit to any section. Their names are given 
here very nearly in the order in which they came to the 
circuit, though possibly not strictly so. One or two names 
also may be omitted, but the hst is sufficiently accurate for 
the purpose intended. — Godard. 1817-18 : J. Siunmeiwille. 
1818-1!>: E Ilatton, 1819; J. Hill, 1820: — Bronson. 182u : 
Xath. Keeder. 1821: R. Hattou, 1821: — Keyes. 1822: — 
Kent, 1825: — Knapp. 1826; — Wright. 1827: A. Plimpton. 
1828 : J. Filmore. l82i> : W. B. Mack. 1829 ; J. iJanis. 1830 : 
—Preston. 1830: — Babcock, 1831: — HaUeck. 1S32 : — 
St owe. 1833: D. Williams, 1834: —Luce. 1835: — Kinney. 
1836: L. Eogers. 1837: J. Flowers, 1838-30: I. II. Tackett. 
1838-31): — Himter, 1841; J. E. Chapin, 1843-44-: J. S. Baker, 
1845-46: — Browning. 1847 : J. Uncles, 1848: J. O. Kick 
18-49: T. D. Bhnn, 1850-51; J. Peet. 1852-53: — Burgess. 
1854-55: — Wrigglesworth. 1856-57 ; P. Burroxighs. 1858; T. 
D. Blinn, 1859-60: A. Tibbitts, 1861-62: J. LesHe, 1863-64; 
G. \V. Gray. 1865-66-67 ; E. B. Ciunmings, 1868-6!i : J. Hill. 
1870: J. C. SulHvan. 1871-72. The preachers usually came on 
to the gTOund in July of the years named. Probaby no 
other order in tovvn has a more efficient system, or one 

20 



152 HISTORICAL SKETCHKS (iF 

better adapted tn the work it has in hand, ov for reaching 
the great mass of the people. 

The lionor of having first pubhcly introduced Methodism 
to Chatxtaiiqua coimtj^ was without doubt due to Dr. Lawtoii 
Richmond, for some yeaxs a practicing physician at the (Jross 
Hoods, he having preached the first sermon of any clergy 
man of tliat oi'der as early as 1809 or If). Where this sermon 
was preached the writer is not able to say. but Dr. Rich- 
mond was living at the time near the head of Chautauqua 
Lake, having settled there in the summer of the former year. 
1809. 



rnK TOWN (»!' i'oki'i.anh. 15o 



CHAPTEK XXV. 

fJhurcUeii Coutinued — First Baptist Church — Its t'orinatiou — First members — The 
Council — Articles of Faith — Deacons — Members — Places of worship — Westiield 
members withdraw — Colony of 1842 — Settlement of Eld. LaHatt &c.— His Sermon 
— The Parsonage &c. 

The fii'st Baptist cliurcli in Portland was organized un 
September •20th, 1819, and was composed of eleven members, 
as follows : Wm. Harris, John Light, Sylvestei' Andi-ews. 
Krastiis i^ndrews, Charles Morse, Rachel Ilanis, Deborah 
Light. Anna Taylor. Phebe Fay, Sally Sage and Sarah Mixm- 
ford. The meeting was held at the school house standing 
on the southwest corner of the Cross Roads in school dist. 
Xo. 4, where the school house now stands, near the resi 
dence of the late Bela BuiToughs. 

The council called to set them apart as a church was 
composed of Revs. Joy Handy, Pearson Crosby and Jonathan 
Wilson. Elder Joy Handy was chosen moderator, and Elder 
Wilson, clerk. The usual forms and ceremonies of the order on 
such occa.sions were observed, and the charge to the church and 
the light hand < f fellowship given by the moderator-. The 
ni-ticles of the ■•Dansville Association" so called were adopted. 
These however were re%d8ed in 1836 by a committee of the 
church app(nuted for the purpose, consisting of Elder (.". 
LaHatt. J. Whitman, Elijah Fay. A. Gill and Isaac Sage. 

There Avere added to the chiu'ch the first year of its exist 
euce. fifty-two members : forty-three by baptism and nme 
by letters ivoia other churches. Polly Andi'ews was the Hrst 
accession, uniting on the day of the formation of the cluirch. 



i54 jiiSTORiCAr. siacTciiKS or 

During the first month, eight imited, o.nd amongst them 
Elijah and ^Irs. Lucy Fay. Sylvester Andrews was the 
first clnuch clerk. Th(^ tirst deacons were, Elijah Fay and 
Sjdrester Andrcnvs, elected April 8th. 1820, and ordained 
t u the following day. Elder Jonathan Wilson was the 
first pastoi'. 

Of the sixty -three members comprising the chui'ch at 
the close of the first year of its existence, but tliree are 
li-sTing, as fai" as is now known : Orrin X. Sage, living in 
Cincinnati, Ohio; James .Vndiews, living at or near Waverly. 
Iowa, and Philip -Kane, liAdug at Littleton, Iowa. Having 
no stated jjlace of worship, meetings were held for rriost of the 
time at the house of Dea. E. Fay, until September 2()th. 
1820, when it was "voted that we hold meetings half of 
the lime at the house of Dea E. I"ay. and lialf of the 
time at the house of Bro. John Price," on the Dr. 
\Vill>ur farm northeast corner of lot 38, T. 5. In January, 
1822. it was :'voted to lu)]d meetings half the time at 
the house of Dea. E. Fay. and half the --time at the school 
house near I). Eaton's." This was the frame school liouse 
on the coiner east of Mr. Eaton's, on lot 3:3, T. ~y. For 
some time meetings were held in a house belonging to 
John H. Coney, :md as there is no farther record with refer- 
ence to the matter, we rely upon the memory of the "oldest 
inhabitant, " Avhich is to the effect that meetings were held 
at vaiious points as convenience or necessity dictated, until 
about 1830 to '32, when they came to be held pretty reg- 
ularly at the school house at Salem X Roads, now Brocton. 
Previous to this date, March, 1831, there being no Baptist 
chiu'ch at Westfield, those of that faith there had united 
with the Portland church ; but the inconvenience of attendance 
at so great a distance induced them to ask a coimcil for the 
purpose of -forming an independent body," and place them in 
position to assume the duties and responsibilities of a chiu-ch. 
-Ifter due consideration the petition was granted. Those 
thus leaving the church, were. Elias Mallory. Joshua Tinker. 



rilK vows Ol" I'ORTI.ANI). 15o 

Joshua 'J'inker, jim.. \Vni. N'lixndeibiirg, Sarah ^^rantlerbul■g, 
.Mavy^ Tiice, KiiUi Wilcox, Sally Sexton, Sally Ludlow and 
Sarah Ovorton. 

In 18-1:2 another cctlony left the church to assist in forming 
a church of tlie order at West l*ortland ; (See notice of that 
church,) since Avhich time the course of the church has been 
marked by ''lights and shadows," and they have come up to 
their present strong and influential position through much of 
difficulty and trial; often necessary in order that a church 
be the better fitted for the work it has to do. 

The membership at this date, March, 1873, is IV) : males 
<)<), females, 89. They enjoyed the ministerial labors of Elders 
.1 onathan Wilson and Pearson Crosby up to October, 1822. 
when it was "voted to emjDloy Elder Charles LaHatt, to 
preach for one year upon the following terms:" to "find him a 
liouse and garden and firewood ; move his family and pay him 
$15i) ; 1^ in produce at the country price, proportioned to 
wheat at 75 ct;nts per bushel ; the remaining ^ in cash." This 
will indicate pretty clearly the poverty of the church, the low 
price of })roduce and the scarcity of the circulating medium of 
the comitry. Perhaps, however, the Elder preferred produce 
to the "rags" circulating as money ; for the writer very 
distinctly remembers hearing liim discourse on a Sabbath in 
18o(), very vehemently against all banks and banking institu- 
tions, as so many means in the liands of the devil to lure men 
to destruction ; and the United States government and the 
State government cliartering ;uid ujtholding them woidd be 
lield responsible for the e%dl done ; that this curse was but 
marking the downfall of the "model reimblic." "Father La 
Hatt" remained with the churcli as pastor imtil 1838, when 
he Avas dismissed, but i»reached more or less mi til the 
time of liis death, which oc^curred August 3d, 1850. 
He was a German, born in the city of St. Goar, and 
was educated at the University of l>onn, and emigrated to 
this country before (he Revolution. He was a man ardent 
in temperament, and outspoken with reference to his impres- 



15G IllsroHK' \1. .SbLKTCHKS OK 

sions. and unyielding in all his conAdctions of duty ; a good 
man, no doubt a christian, but better fitted to command than 
to lead. 

Elder CorAvin preached to the chuich alxnit 1838 ; Eli 
Dodge in 1839. Elder Sanderson was emjiloyed in October, _ 
1839, ordained in .September, 1840, and dismissed in 1841 ; 
since that time they haA'e had the serA'ices of Elders Chas. La 
Hatt, Howard, Wilson, Marble, Keyes. Eathbun, Roberts, Alden. 
Mace, Smith, Dickinson, Connellv, J. H. Miller and G. W. 
Divoll, the present pastor. Others were employed for short 
periods, but it is impossible to determine the precise time o1 
each, or the term of their services. 

•• The Eu'st Baptist Society of I'oitland." formed an<l acting 
in connection Avitli the church, was organized A])ril 6, 1822. 
under the act of 1813, lor the incorporation of religious 
societies. The meeting was. held at the house of John Piice. 
on 'the farm now owned by Edward McGarrall : IClijah Fay 
and Charles Morse presiding. The first trustees chosen were 
Isaac Sage, Charles Moise and Elijah Fay. Isaac Sage Avas 
clerk of the meeting. The act was signed by the ofticers, and 
the acknowledgment taken by Hon. Zattu Gushing. April 15. 
1822. and recorded April 24, :822. On the consummation of 
the organization of the society, they receiAcd 33^ acres of the 
one hundi'ed acres donated to religious societies in the toAvn 
by the Holland Company in 1 820 ; the C 'ongregational and 
Methodist Societies haA'ing received a like number of acres. 
In May, 1831, the Society, luider the direction of the court, 
sold the land to Chamicey Hill for $176. This land was a 
•part of lot ll. T 5, \i 1 3. and a j^art of the farm now OAA^ned by 
•John Hardenburg. 

The first house of worsliip was commenced in 1834, a few 
rods west of the center of the A-illagc of Brocton, then "the 
comers" on the site of the present house. The finishing of 
the audience room was done by A. S. jMoss and J. B. Fay 
in 1837. and the house was dedicated the same fall. The 
first meeting held in this house was a covenant meeting of 



THE TOVvN OF PORTLAND. 157 

the church, October 7, 1.S37. The first marriage in t>ie house 
was that of .Tosejih B. Fay and Maiiah M. Sa'je, October 8, 
1887. The lot on which the liouse was located was donated 
b}' Dea. Iv Fay and conveyed to the society by deed bearing 
date Octobei' :^6, 1838. This honse was occupied liy the 
(church and society nntil ISfn when it Avas sokl to G. E. 
Rycknian for $250. It is now owned by Josiah Hall as a 
joiner and machine shop in Brocton. It was intended to 
introduce the (jiiginal subscription list obtained to defray the 
expense of building, but it is now nowhere to be found. Tha^ 
it was not adequate to defray the expense incurred is shown 
by the records of an occasional assessment upon the jjroperty 
of the male members of the church to pay a balance for a 
specified object. 

I'he 231'esent tasteful and commodious brick ediiice was 
erected the same year (18(i7) and is at <jnce a credit to the 
society and the vilage and town in which it stands. The 
subscription for the purpose of raising fluids for that object 
was circulated first in July and August of 1 8(56 a.>^d with a 
success that determined at once the action of the society, anil 
they proceeded in the latter month to elect a building 
committee and make arrangements for the commencement of 
the house early in the following spring, which arrangement 
was caiTicd out and the house was completed in December of 
the year 1867, "for the people had a mind to work." The 
architect was Atron Hall of Jamestown, N. Y. Thomas 
Walker of Westfield, had charge of the mason work. The 
fi'escoing was <lone by V. Boloni of Buffixlo. It was dedicated 
December 18, 1867. The sermon preached an the occasion 
was by Rev. B. D. Marshall of Buffalo, fi'om I'rov. xxx : 26: 
•• The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses 
in the rocks." The entire cost of the house was nine 
thousand dollars. 

Much difficulty seems to have been experienced by the 
society with reference to a pf/r.sonage. rhey had resolved to 
build but could not definitely fix upon a location. On the 12th 



158 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

of Jiily. 1823. it was •'voted to purchase an acre of land of 
Deacon Fay and erect a commodious house on the same for 
the use of a minister." On the 23d of Aiigust of the same year 
it was again ''voted that the church and society build a liouse 
lor oiu' minister." "Voted to raise money by subscription 
to build said house, and that the deiiciency, if any there be, be 
made up by assessment on the property of the male members 
of the church." In January, 1824, "voted, first, to reconsider 
the vote of tlie 12th of July : to purchase land of Deacon Fay. 
Second, to build a house on brother Price's land ' (Dr. 
Wilbur's farm). '-Third, to have a committee of three to 
superintend the building. Fourth, that Dea. Fay, J. Saiford 
and James Andi'ews comjjose said committee. " On the 9tli of 
February following -'voted to erect a house for th*.- use of our 
minister on John B. Coney's land. Voted tliat Deacons Fay 
and Andrews and J. E. Coney serve as a committee to 
superintend said building." The records sht)w no lurther 
action in the case, but from other soiu'ces it is known that the 
acre of land was purchased of Mr. Coney, part of lot 20, T. 5. 
on the North Erie road, place now OAvned and occupied by 
Hiram Biu-ton. on which a j)arsonage was commenced the 
same year (1824), and which was occupied by "Father LalTatf 
imtil his death in 1850. In the winter of 1850 '51 it was 
exchanged with Milo A. Driggs for the place in the east part 
of the village of Brocton now owned and occupied by the 
society as a parsonage, the society paying a difference of $650. 






i 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 159 



CHAPTEK XXVI, 

West Baptist Church. 

About 1831 the meetings of the first Baptist clmrch of 
Portland had come to be " regularly held at Salem X Roads, 
now Brocton; and a church edifice completed in 1837. Some 
of the members lived in the west part of the town— five 
miles fi'om their place of public worship. With them the 
task of a regular attendance at Salem was felt to be 
extremely difficult, and many times from stormy weathei' 
and other causes, almost impossible. Under these circum- 
stances they petitioned the church at Salem X Roads to be 
allowed to meet for worship in their locality, as a branch of 
the Portland church. A meeting of the church was called 
March 12th, 1842, at the place of worship, to consider the 
above petition, and the folloAving resolution was ofiered, fully 
considered and passed: "That all the members of the Baptist 
church in Portland who can be better accommodated for 
worship at the stone school house in said town, shall have the 
privilege of being a 'branch' of the cluu-ch, possessing the 
power of receiving and dismissing members, and doing all other 
business that may come before the church, except the retm^ns 
to the association, which shall be made by the clerks 
of tlie church and the branch, as the Baptist chiu'ch in 
Portland ; and also the exception of employing a minister, 
which business shall be done by tlie church and the 'branch,' 
as the Baptist clnirch in Portland. Done by order and in 
behalf of the churcli. Aetiuu; B. Post, Ch. Clerk." 

In Jrme following, at a meeting of "the mother church," 

21 



160 



mSTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 



H request was received from the "brancli" in West 
Portland to the effect that the -branch" be allowed to 
become a distinct and separate chmx-h. .\fter a discussion of 
the request the followiug was offered aud passed: -That 
the branch of this churcli be and is a separate body 
from tliis bod}- when recognized as such, and receives the 
fellowsliip of sister chmches." A. B. Post, Ch. Clerk. 

A council was called to set them apart as a church. Rep- 
resentatives fiT.m the tolloTN-ing clmrches were invited: Cas- 
adaga, Stockton, Demttville, Ripley. Mayville, Panama, West 
field, and Northeast, Pennsylvania. The council convened on 
the 22d day of June 1842, in the bam of Matthew Farington, 
standing on the farm now owned by H. A. Blowers, on lot 41. 
T. o, and now standing on farm of ]3arwin Holenbeck, on the 
uorth part of lot 37, T. o. Elder J. (loing preached a sermon 
fi-om 1. Thes. 3 ch. S v.. when the usual ceremonies were had. 
and the "branch" declared a chui-ch in "Gospel order." 
imder the name ot the "West Baptist church in Portland. 
Lemi Bartholomew and James Andrews were elected deacons. 
and Titus Roe. clerk. The names of the members of the 
■•b)unch" have been lost. Tlie nmnber was twenty-three. At 
the organization of the cliurch it mmibered eighty-seven ; males 
thh-ty-live. females tifty-two. Their names wei^ as follows : 
HoUisFay, Ed mn AV. Farington, Geo. Freeman, Alanson Jones, 
Henry Hurist, Henry Herrick, Edwin Monfort, Ransom Peltou, 
\\'m. Patton. Ctco. Munson, Frederick Herrick, Matthew Far- 
ington, Lemi Bartholomew, Dai- win WHbur, Emery K. Woods, 
Henry Fay. John Jai-vis. Calvin Andrews, Titus' Rop, Jared 
Tayloi-, Daniel iSm-chaixl, Reuben Russell, Norman Brown. 
Stephen Druse. Ichabod Russell, Ithamer Crouch, Joseph 
Jai-vis, Lexino-ton Tayh.r, Za.loc Rogers, liobert Freeman. 
James Andrews, Jonathan Wilscm, Alice Farington. Phebe 
Farington, Charlotte Farington, Harriet, Farington. Ann Brown, 
Harriet Delavarge, Roxana E. Fay, Louisa (Granger, Marv 
.Icnes, Hepsihah Woods, Harriet Bennett. Ann Men-itt .llvira 
Mimson, Elizabeth Freeman, Harriet Herrick, Maria Faiington, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 161 

J^Iary Pelton, Sally M. Bartholomew, Lodema Noxon, Elizabeth 
McGregor, Vally M. Greene, Amanda Taylor, Mary Ann Taylor. 
Jerusha Skidmore, Matilda Tayloi-, Liicinda Bart 
lett, Serva Russell, Martha A. Wilbur, Jane E. Hulburt. 
Mary F. Shuffi, Mary Jarvis, Emily Freeman, Phebe Fay, Mar 
garet Farington, Jane Caldwell, Flora Sperry Jane Freeman, 
Sarah Jane Munson, Sarah M. Brown, Hialdah McGregor, 
Hannah Rouse, Ann Towser, Mary Ij. Woods, Polly Taylor, 
Juline Greene. 

The above list does not make the frdl munber, but the 
footings by the clerk at the time, make the number as stated. 
The church at its formation numbered more than at any subse 
querit period. From emigration and from other causes, the 
membership gradually diminished, and there being no special 
manifestations of grace, their numbers have fallen to thirty 
nine at this writing, (1873.) The whole number of its mem- 
bership, from its organization to the present, is one hundred 
and seventy-seven. The meetings for the most part were 
held in the stone school hoiise in Dist. No. 3. until tlie com- 
pletion of the church editice. 

Rev. Jonathan Wilson preached to them until August 2Hth^ 
1842, in connection ^vith ''father Laliatt," who labored with 
them more or less imtil 1850. 

Rev. Levant Rathbun preached to the church two years: 
from April 1844. 

Rev. Malcom Roberts preached from July 14, 1841), to some 
time in 1850. Since then they have had the ministrations of 
Rev. C. B. Read, John Haladay, ( ). L. Ciittenden, W. R. Con- 
nelly, Alonzo Frink, Maiion A. Wixon, Daniel E. Uurt and J. 
W. Davis. 

Others occupied the desk for short periods, and amongst 
them Rev. C. B. Keyes. Lend Bartholomew was licensed to 
preach by the chui-ch May 20th, 1843, and he "improved his 
gift" at intervals ruitil 1860. 

Immediately after the formation of the '"branch," the pro- 
priety of building a place of worship was earnestly discussed, 



162 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



and a subscription was drawn, March 17th, 1842, for the jrar- 
pose of testing the feasibility of the enterprise. There being 
no legally organized society, by the terms of the subscription 
the subscribers were authorized to elect a biiilding committee, 
who should act as trustees. On tlie 20th of April following 
the subscription did not exceed $-475.00 ; but at a meeting held 
that date, it was ''voted to build a meeting house according 
to the plan subscribed to, and that Lemi Bartholomew, 
Daniel M. Farington and Edwin W. Farington be a building 
committee and trustees for the present year." No farther 
advance seems to have been made until after the legal 
organization of the society September 12th, 1842, which took 
place at the school house in Dist. No. 3, their usual place 
of worship, Ithamer Crouch and Ichabod Russell pre- 
siding. The society there formed was to be known as 
"The West Baptist Society of Portland, Chautauqua Co., 
N". Y." The first trastees were the same chosen in April 
previous. The act of incoiporation was acknowledged 
before Hon. F. H. Buggies of Fredonia, and recorded Oct. 
4th, 1842, at page 28 of religious societies. At this meeting 
it was again "voted tp build a meeting house on the con 
templated spot." More than five himdred dollars were 
yet needed, yet such was the anxiety manifest, and the 
confidence of the society in their ability to build the 
house, that they resolved as above stated and at once set 
about the work. Notwithstanding the meager show with 
reference to material aid, through the active and ener- 
getic efibrts of the trustees and a few others, the present 
brick edifice, standing on the southerly portion of lot 41, 
T. 5, was put up the same fall, and the next season 
finished and dedicated. The land upon which it stands 
was purchased of Daniel M. Farington for $75.00. The 
brick woi-k was done by iiodhj Bryant of Westfield, and 
the carpenter and joiner work by Lemi Bartholomew and 
E. W. Farington. The parsonage lot upon which was an 
old frame building, was jim-chased of the heirs of Stephen 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 163 

Pratt. The present parsonage wais built in 1867. The 

sheds in the rear of the church edifice were bnilt at 
private expense. 

This church and society deserve to live and prosper, 

and doubtless mil, if tliey but keep in view the great 
end of their associated existence. 



1()4 IIISTOKICAL SKKTCIIKS OK 



chaitp:i; xxvii. 

Fniversalist Church and Society. 

A compact, or agreement by a number of members ot 
this faith in towni. was made and signed at the house of 
8imon Bin-ton. at the month of "Slipjiei-y PJock Creek" 
on the 2 1st of September 1821. The paper then presented, 
and signed by fourteen persons, infonnally creatino- a 
society of the order, was as follows : 

••We the undersigned, believing in the miiversal goodness 
of God to man as revealed in the person of Jesus Chris ^ 
om" Lord, beHe%-ing also that it is essentially necessai-}- for 
(>m immediate happiness and for the declarative glory of (iod 
that we live sober, lighteous and godly lives, and for 
which \ve have oiu* full reward in this world, but to 
be saved fi'om sin is the work of God and not man. in 
whom we have the strongest faith, and confidence in his 
promises, that in the dispensation of the fulness of time 
he will gather together in one all things in C'hnst. both 
they which are in heaven and they which are on the 
eai-th, even in Him : and as we feel desirox;s for the pro- 
motion of brotherly love and fi-iendship among men. 
and wishing to increase the upbuilding of the Redeemers 
kingdom: and as we believe the preaching of the (Gospel, 
which is glad tidings of gi-eat joy which the angels 
declared should be to all iieople, is both necessary and 
salutaiy: do for these pxu-poses nnite and associate om- 
selves together bv the name and title of the Fii-st Univer- 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 165 

salist Society in Portland, and pledge ourselves to adopt, 
support and abide by the following ai'ticles, viz : 

Art. 1. The first meeting of the soeie'y shall be on tlie 
24th of tSei)tember 1821, and annually on the same day 
h'ereafter at such places as siiall be agreed upon at a 
previous meeting. 

The business, when met, shall be to elect one or more 
trustees, who are to take charge of the concerns of the 
society : and a clerk who shall record the proceedings in 
a book provided for that purpose. 

' Art 3. The said trustees shall have power to i-all a 
special meeting of the society at such time and place as 
they shall think pi-opei' hj giving six days previous 
notice. Poimland, September 21st, 1821." 

(Signed) 

Simon Burton. Willard liiirttm, 

( )liver Spaftbrd. Hii'am Burton, 

Harry Miimford, Moses Joy. 

David Joy, Walter Mumford, 

Ahira Hall, Zimri Hill. 

Samuel Beach, 2d. Slapp Hovey, 

Lyman Doolittle, James Charter. 

In accordance vnth the pro\dsions of the above, a meeting 
was held on the 24t]i of the same month, and a board 
of tnistees and a clerk cliosen. Meetings for the next 
year were occasionally held at the house of Simon Burton 
or the house of some other member. Not far from one 
year fi'om the date of the first formation of the society, 
a church was formed with thirty live niemliers mostly from 
the families of those first uniting in the compact, and 
baptism, the adniinisti'ation of the Euchaiist, and other 
rites and ceremonies, and ordei' of worship of a church 
of the order, were practiced foi- a nnmher of years. The 
society did not own a ]>lace of \vorshi]», but held their 
meetings at first as stated above, in ])i-ivate hoiises, an<l 
afterward in school houses in various sections of the town. 



166 HISTOHICAL SlvETOHES OF 

On March 4th, 1824, a society was formed iii accordance 
mth the statute of April 5th, 1813, for the incorporation 
of religious societies, to enable the order to purchase and 
liold real estate, and for other pui'poses. The meeting was 
held at the house of Simon Burton, Harry Miunford and 
Simon Biu'ton presiding. The name by which the society 
was to be known was, "The First Universalist Society in 
Portland." The first trustees elected were Simon Bui'ton, 
Harry Miunford, Moses Joy, Willard Burton, Walter Mum 
ford, Wm. Dunham, jim., Hiram Btu'ton, Ahira Hall and 
Oliver Spafford. The act was acknowledged before Hon. 
Benjamin Evans, and recorded in the county clerks office, 
March 5th, 1824. 

After a few years, from neglect, the provisions of the 
statute in such cases tailed to be complied with, and the 
society, as such, and the chiu'ch also ceased to exist. 
Some years since, an effort was made to reorganize the 
chm-ch, but from causes not known to the ^^Titer the 
enterprise was never completed. Meetings however hav(^ 
been held with more or less fiequency ; and tor the j)ast 
eighteen years in the house of the M. E. Society at Brocton, 
as preachers have come upon the field. This being the 
state of things, the nimiber really, or nominally belonging 
to the order in town, cannot be determined with any 
degree of acciu'acy. 

The early preachers of the order holding service in 
town, as far as they can now be called to mind, were 

Caleb Todd, Lewis C. Todd, Manly, T. C. Eaton, Joseph 

Eaton. Those more recently holding service were Stephen 
Korapaugh, C. C. Richardson and L. E. Rexford. 

The efficiency of the order in towoi is much impaired by 
the want of proper church and society organizations. 



THE TOWN OF PORTL.\>sl). 1G7 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Protestant Methodist Church. 

Ill the spring of 1858, a chuicli of the Protestant Meth- 
odist order was organized at the school house in Dist. Xo. 
11. near the residence of Isaac Howe, by Kev. O. C. 
Payne of Fredonia. This movement was for the coiiA-e- 
nience of members Hving in the vicinity, and at an incon- 
venient distance fi'om any place of worship of the order. 
The names of the original members were as follows : 
Wolcott Colt, Chandler Colt. Mrs. Merab Colt. Joel S. 
Famham, Mrs. Lydia Famham, Piatt A. Lathrop. Lucy 
Lathi'op, Collins Haight, Sarah Colt, Mrs. Xancy Porter. 
Cynthia Kelley and Mrs. Cornelia Howe. The preachers sent 
to the charge were Eev. O. C. Payne, Rev. William A. Sharj). 
Rev. A. S. Ostrand. Piatt A. Lathrop was elected leader of 
the class. All the members are still li\-ing with the 
exception of Joel S. Famham and Lucy Lathi-op. Xo 
society was incoi-porated, and the church organization, after 
two or tlu'ee years, was discontinued : not a single member 
at this wiituig remains upon the field. 

Roman Catholic. — The Roman Catholic chiux-h has a 
representation in town of about tliiiiy members, mostly 
Iiish, but vrith what particular chmch organization they are 
connected is not known. They have no chuix-h organiza- 
tion ia town. It is m. contemplation however to erect a 
church edifice near Brocton Station, the present season. 
1873. 

22 



168 . HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Freewill Baptists. — A church of this order was formed 
on the south border of the town many years smce, and a 
house of worshijD built on "(.^hautauqua Hill," within the 
town of Chautauqxia; but the writei" has learned very little 
definitely with reference to it. It ceased to exist pr()V)al)ly 
twenty fiA e to thirty years, since. 



THE TOWN OK I'OKTl.AND. 16*,» 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Brotherhood of the New Life. 

Rev. Thomas Lake Harris, of Arnenia, Dutchess county. N. 
Y., purchased, prmcipalty in 1867, nearly two thousand 
acres of farm lands in Portland, mainly on the lake bordei', 
for tlie purpose of establishing a branch of the order of the 
'•lii'otherhood of the New Life," an order to some extent 
known in Europe, but less in America. In this enterprise 
Mr. Harris associated with himself a few chosen fiiends, who. 
like their leader were enthusiasts in their belief. The asso- 
ciation at present numbers above one hundi'ed, but sixty- 
five or seventy however are no^v engaged upon their pur- 
chase ; the balance finding their use in various sections of 
this country and in Europe. They live by themselves as 
far as })ossible, and are exceedingly reticent witli reference 
to the association and its inner workings when approached 
by those outside, and will hold no converse with the simply 
curious. They are usually known as the "Harris Community," 
though they repudiate the idea of be'ing a "community" as 
such. The fact of their being difficult of access excites 
curiosity, and is the occasion of much impertinent inquiry 
The air and charm of mystery hangs over and about them : 
and what the world has learned of them is very little, and 
that in such conflicting statements that it has been impos- 
sible to form a correct opinion Avith reference to them or their 
mode of life. The association has gained considerable noto- 
riety and prominence from the fact of its numbering among 
its members those "widely known in Theological. Literary 



170 JIISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

and Political circles ;" and among these "Lady Olipliant and 
lier son Hon. Lawrence Olipliant. Both are well known in 
the literary ^vorld ; and Mr. Oliphant when he left England 
gave np his seat in Parliameiit, where he was a prominent 
and active member." "Mr. Harris is well known by his 
wi'itings and otherwise. Fonnerly he was a successful and 
]>oi>ular ITniversalist preacher in New York city; afterward 
a thorough investigator of Spiritualism ;"' and for some time 
a Swedenborgian. Some years since he visited England 
where he became weW known as a preacher and writer ; but 
eventually returned to America and established the "Broth- 
erhood." Fearing that he miglit make statements entirely 
inconsistent with facts in speaking of the order, the Avriter 
addressed a letter to Mr. Harris, asking such infoiTnation 
with reference to the association as he was willing to furnish 
for historical purjjoses. and very j^romptly received the fol- 
lowing in leply. 

Salem-on-Ej!ie, N. Y., April 13, 1873. 

Di;. II. C. Tayi.ok: — P^steemed Friend: — In response to 
your recent favor permit me to reply as follows : 

1. The piu'chase made by myself and friends ifi the town 
of Portland consists of something less than tAvo thousand 
acres ; }»rincipall}' of farm and vineyard lands, but inclusive 
of the ))lat at the jimction of the Lake Shore and ^Vlleghany 
\'alley Railroad, where Ave are layuig out a A-illage which we 
have named Salem-on-Erie designing to make it an indus- 
trial and business cente]'. These properties were secured 
mainly in the month of ( )ctober 18G7 : about one half as 
a personal investment, and the moiet}' in behalf of the 
gentlemen interested witli me in the enterprise. These 
lands, in part, compiise what is known on tlie old town 
maps as "the Diamond," and extend in length two miles on 
the shoi'eof Lake P'rie, being neaiiy contiguous to each other.' 

(1) These lauds were purchased maiuly of T. S. Moss, Mark Haight, H. A. Biirtou, 
Hiram Burton, .Johu Dudley, Owen Powell, Ogden Bradley, Reuben Ogden, John Har- 
denburg. Simon Burton, Joseph Shaver, Henry Churchill, A. E. Lament, W. M. Hen- 
derson, J. B. Fav, Chester Skinner. H. C. Taylor, Worthv Rolph, and Mrs. Caroline 
Hall. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 171 

Besides the iisual operations in agricultiu'e and vinecul- 
tnre, we are engaged, 1st in the wholesale pressing and ship- 
ping of hay ;' 2d in the general nnrsery business f in 
the manufacture and sale of pure native wines, more espe- 
(dally for medicinal use. Our product of wines is from 
fifteen thousand to twenty-three thousand gallons annually. 
Om' principal cellar is of stone, arched and fireproof, one 
lumdi-ed and ten feet in length, and affording with the one 
adjoinmg. storage for about sixty-five thousand gallons of 
wine.^ At the village we also carry on a hotel and restaurant, and 
have just enlarged our operations by erecting a steam grist mill 
and opening an exchange for transactions in produce and gen- 
eral merchandize. We are at present laying out and planting 
a public park and gardens, and di'aining and improving as well 
as fiom time to time adding to the fi'eehold estate. Thus far 
in brief of the mere material question. 

2. As the religious principles held by myself and asso- 
ciates, and which form the grounds of our business relations 
and social co-operations afford a subject of very natm-al inquiry 
in the county, the more so, as we make no efforts to indoc- 
trinate or i»roselyte, — a few words in reference to them may 
perhaps be not wholly devoid of interest. 

We are connected by sjanpathy and general xmity of pui'pose 
with a society, better known in Europe than in America, whose 
members have adopted the name of the "Brotherhood of the 
New Life," and Avhose one object is therealization of the noble 
christian ideal in social service. It is simply an effort to 
demonstrate that the ethical creed of the Gospel is sus- 
eptible of service as a working system, adapted to the com- 
plex and cidtured nineteenth century, and contaming the prac" 

<]) They cut and securecl iu 1872 about oue thousand tons of hay from their own 
premises, aud purchased from outside parties about two hundred and fifty tons. Of 
this amount eight hundred and lifty tons were pressed and sent to market ; the balance 
used by them and sold to parties near home. 

(2) The " Chautauqua County Green Houses aud Nurseries " situated at their village 
at the " junction " are quite extensive, and being yearly enlarged. The grounds are 
beautifully laid OTit, and the whole admirably conducted. 

(3) This part of their Vmsiness is under the name of the " Lake Erie and Missouri 
River Wine (.^ompany.'" The grapes manufactured are in part raised by them, aud in 
part obtained by iiurchase, 



172 HISTOHICAI, SKKTCIIKS OF 

tical solution of the social prol)lems of the age. In one sense 
the Brotherhood are Si:)iritualists ;' in the fervid and intense 
conA-ietion that the individual man has no real life in himself : 
that all life, and with it the virtues and energies of life 
are the result of a divine inflowing. Considering, first, that 
all real life is the continuous^ outgift of God, and second, 
that our Lord is that one true and living God; (whether right 
or wrong in their opinion) there is amongst them a practical 
faith in him as the sole Rulei', Actuator and Dii'ector. They 
are monarcliists w^lio I'ecognize the Di-vine Man for their 
Sovereign. 

In another sense the Brotlierhood are Socialists. They con- 
sider that the practical fulfilment of the Gospel is in what 
may be termed "Divine-natural Society." From the ])resent 
civilization, the aggregation of self-interests, they would evolve 
a noble form, "one piu'e and perfect chrysolite," — the associa- 
tion of noble and cultured souls in every industrial and human 
service. They hold most fully, most vitally that "the worship 
of God is the service of humanity." If they revere in Cbrist. 
the Lord, they also accept in Him the Artisan. 

Marriage, the Family and Property, that triad of institutions 
most menaced by the revolutionary and distinctive spirit of 
the age, are held by them of infinite authority and universal 
value. Of the first they belie^'e that man and woman, t^^'o in 
one, made in the image of tlie Divine Spirit, perfect in eternity 
that holy relation that finds here its fit and beautiful exj^res- 
sion in Avedded love. Of the seccmd tliey hold that restored 
to its divine purity and unselfishness, it builds the Home as 
the microcosm and nursery of the lieavens. Of the third they 
consider that while communism has its transient use in crisis 
of reaction against a prevalent worldliness, yet that individual 
possessions, to men who hold all things in God and for His 
service in the neighbor, are indispensable, both as aids to 

(1) But they reject the system of general mediumship aud constant intercourse with 
the spirit world, as iwolitless, dangerous, and even profane. They accept Mr. Harris a& 
their center, and believe that the will of Heaven is transmitted to them through him. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 173 

individual growth and means of public usefulness. In a word, 
the time-honored viiliies, Faith, Loyalty, Honor, Piuity and 
Obedience are believed by them to be of infinite present and 
real moment. ^Miile they do not )"eject the sacred observ- 
ance of accustomed Religion, they believe in uplifting every 
avocation of life into a permanent ReUgioiis Ministration. 
Cherishing the faiiii of Scriptiu-e in individiial regeneration, 
they hold that it is the function of regenerate man to regen 
erate society ; that this work must be initiated and earned 
out by the entrance of the cultured, the prosperous, the 
gifted, as well as those of humbler state, into those employ- 
ments which have been counted menial ; and that those labors 
should be done from the inspiration of the Divine Love which 
have heretofore been performed fi'om selfish greed or at the 
mere spiu- of material necessity. "See," said the ancient 
pagans, "how these christians love one another." It is the aim 
of the Brotherhood in all its many fields of action to reinstate 
that antique and eternal principle, not in demonstrative 
jDreachment but in a most unobtrusive yet demonstrated social 
fact. AVith kind regards, believe me respectfully yours, 

Thomas Lake ILvkkis. 
The members have no permanent homes but remove from one 
place to another on their premises, as is best for their usex or 
their employment for the time, each being placed in a position 
for which he is best fitted. IVIi-. Harris lias fitted up a fine 
residence near the lake which lie has named "Vine Cliff." It 
is being tastefully surrounded by laAvnis, groves, gardens and 
an almost endless variety of flowering shi-ubs, ^^nes and plants 
that render a stroll about the grounds delightful. It is 
beautifully situated and commands a lengthened view of the 
lake on the north, the C'hautauqua hills rismg in partially 
wooded slopes on the south, and seems to finely illustrate the 
sentiment concealed in the name ch(jsen for their toAvn. 
Sabbath service by Mr. Harris is usually held during tlie waim 
season, but at other times or when he is absent they have no 
public service, "but those who desire it observe Sam day with 



174 IlISTOIUCAi. .sKKK MKS <»!• 

singing- and prayer, those U'lio do not care to meet with tlie 
others, work if they feel disposed, for, as they say, since they 
neither work for themselves or for gain there can be no harm 
in it." They j^rofess the "highest state of Christianity in 
which each one will take more pleasnre in doing some nseliil 
service for another. f7-om the love of it, than in serving 
himself." * 

It is but just to say of the Brotherhood in Portland that in 
all respects they seem to be living out the principles of their 
order in their every day life and regard their religion as 
something to be ])ut on and worn as a garment. Their 
dejDortment is most discreet and gentlemanly, and although 
their interests seem to center to a large extent in their associa 
tion, they are excellent citizens. 



THE TOWN OK VORTI.ANI). 175 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Mills, Tanneries, Asheries and other Industries. 

Du7ihams Saw-Mill. — Wm. Dunham is claimed to have 
biiilt the first mill in the town of Portland, in the fall of ISIG- 
Considerable discussion has been had whether this was the 
first mill, or the one built at Brocton by Moses Sage. Both 
parties seem to be sanguine in regard to priority of construc- 
tion ; but there is little doubt that the mill of JMr. Dunliam was 
commenced first, and as little that the one built by Mr. Sage 
was the first put in running order and the first doing business. 
Mr. Dunham's mill was built on Dmiham's creek on lot 32, T. 
5. It was biu-ned in 1818, 1833 and 1861, and each time 
rebuilt by the respective owners of the site. In 1850 it was 
rebuilt uj)on a site a few rods north of tlie original site by J. 
E. Harris. It is not now in operation. 

Sages Saw-Mill— Was built by Moses Sage on Slippery 
Rock creek at Brocton, near the west end of the dam of the 
grist mill in tliat place, in the simimer and fall of 1816. It was 
the first mill in town doing business. [See Dunham's Mill.] 
Some years later it was sold to Dr. Daniel Ingalls, and in 1 834 
to J. C. Haight, who, with Harvey Williams, nui it ibr two 
years, when it was discontinued. 

Burton's Saw- Mill — Was built by Simon Burton, sr., in 
1817 at the falls at the mouth of Slippery Rock creek. It was 
twice rebuilt by his son Hiram. The last is now standing but 
going to decay. 

23 



176 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Fays Saw-Mill — Was biiilt on Fay's creek, on lot 42, T. 5. 
in 1817 by HoUis and Elijah Fay. The mud sill is said to be 
still in place. In 181 !i it was removed to a point near the 
lake by Ilollis Fay where it was run for a number of years. 
Some remains of it are still to be seen. 

Ogdens Sa^o-3Iill — Was built by Oliver SpaiFord about 1820 
on SliiDj)ery Eock creek about half a mile from its mouth and 
rebuilt by Willard Biu'ton and Samuel IMillett some years later. 
It is now entirely remove^. 

Burr'.s Saiv-Mill — Was built on lot 2, T. 5, by Daniel Vail, 
in 1821. Mr. Vail settled on this lot in 1816. The mill 
was located on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek and 
on the site of the mill now owned by Lloyd Biu-r. Mi-. Biut 
purchased the property in 1834 and still owns it. The mill 
was biu-ned in 1830 and again in 1844 but at once rebuilt. It 
is still in operation. 

Taylors Saw-Mill — Was built by Heuben and ErastuB 
Taylor in 1824 on Correll's creek, on part of lot 35, T. 5. It 
was located twenty rods north of the track of the L. S K. K. 
i»n land now owned by E. B. Taylor. It was in operation 
eighteen to twenty years. Some remains of it are yet to be 
seen. 

Nathaniel Fays Saw-Mill — Was built on the farm of Mr. 
Fay on the west branch of Slippery Rock creek, in 1 824. Its 
location was a few rods south of the present residence of 
Franklin Fay. It was in opeiation sixteen to eighteen years. 
It is now entirely removed. 

Evert' s S^aw-Mlll—S^'a^ built in 1826 or '27 on the farm 
since owned for some years by Isaac Marsh, by Jesse Everts. 
Cephas Brainard and Luther Crosby. It was located on the 
head waters of Correll's creek. It was run but a few years. 
In 1841 the frame was removed to a site on lot 40, T. 4, known 
as Elhot's Mill. 

Bacons Saw-3Iill — Was built on Slippery Rock creek sixty 
rods above the Brocton grist mill, on lot 13. T. 5, by Dr. Daniel 
Ingalls, in 1827 or '28. It was sold to Harvev Williams in 



THE TO^VN OF PORTLAND. 177 

1837, rebuilt in 1847, in 1848 sold to Russe] Furman and J. 
Deland and some years latei- to John Furman. It is now- 
owned by Earl Bacon, who some years sinee inlrodiu-ed 
machinery for the maniifacture of hoi'se rakes which is still in 
operation. 

GoodseUs Saw-Mill — Was Ijuilt by Robert I.eavitt on Fay's 
creek, southwest part of lot 30, T. 5, in 1S29. It was for some 
years owned by Franklin Goodsell, who introduced a lathe for 
turning broom handles. , It is now owned by Homer J. 
Skinner. 

Dalee's Saw Mill- — Was built by Field for Waterman Dalee 
on Slippery Rock creek, on east part of lot 13. T. 5, above the 
mill of E. Bacon, in 1829. It was an entire failure. The 
heavy snows of the winter of 1829-30 broke in the roof and it 
was never repaired. The entire cost was $400. 

Elliott's Saw-3Till — Was built by Oliver Elliott in is]!) or 
"20 on the head waters of Fay 'screek, on lot 40, T. 4. It was 
rebuilt in 1851 by Henry Mosher. who sold it in 1S42 to 
Hiram Arnold. Mr. Arnold removed it to south |)art lot 33? 
T. 5. 

Dalee s Saw-Mill i\^o. 2 — Was built in 1832 by Jolm and 
Waterman Dalee on southeast part of lot 13, T. 5. on land now 
owned by John Knickerbocker. It was built on the east 
branch of Slip])ery Rock creek but run by water from the west 
branch. It was afterward owned by various ]iarties and 
among them Samuel, James and H. B. Crandall. It is now 
entirely removed. 

Fletchers Saw- Mill — Was built in 1832 by Robert Leavitt 
<m Dimham's creek, on lot 2G. T. 5. It has since been <)wne<l 
l)y various parties and now by C. A. Fletcher. It is still 
in use. 

Coney's Saw Mdl — Was built at the. upper falls on Slii)pery 

Rock creek, north of Brocton. in 1H35, by Solomon ("oney. In 

1847 it was sold to J. ('., .M. W. and G. H. Richardson: in 

1851 to J. C. Richardson, by whom a steam power was intro 

duced in 1854. In 1857 the steam i)Ower was removed and tht 



178 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

property sold to John Dudley. The mill at tliis date (1873) is 
entirely removed. 

Jeivett's Saic-MiU — Was built one-lbui'th of a mile from the 
mouth of C'orrells creek by George R. Jewett in 1836. It 
was run from twelve to lifteeu years. Some years later it was 
occupied by Thomas Judd as a manufactory for horse power 
wood mills and afterward by Earl Bacon in the maniTfacture of 
horse rakes. It is now in ruins. 

Bigelow's Saio-Mill — Was built by La\vson T. Bigelow on 
the east branch of Chautauqua creek, on lot 52, T. 4, in 1837. 
A llax machine, a planing machine and a box factory were 
added in 1843. It is not now in operation. 

nairi< Saw 3Iill~Wiis built m 184i) by Perry. Delos and 
Fer<linand Hall on the east branch of (liautaucpia creek, on lot 
52, T. 4. It was afterward owned by Delos. then by Levi, 
then by Ileniy L. Hall, and now by John Clark. 

Jiichardson's /Saw-Mill — Was built near the mouth of Little 
Canadaway creek m the northeast part of the town, on lot 8, T, 
5. by J. C. Richai-dson in the winter of 1840-41. It was run 
to 1847 when it was sold to Samuel Johnson. It is now 
entirely removed. 

Arnold's Saw-Mill — Was the Elliott smc-rmll removed from 
l(jt 40, T. 4. to south part lot 33, T. 5, in 1 842. It was burned in 
1844 but rebuilt the same year. It was run to 1 853 when it 
was discontinued. 

Robhins Steam. Sairi Mill — Was built l)y Daniel Bobbins on 
lot 8, T. 5, in 1848. It was burned August 30, 1851, but 
I'ebuilt in 1 854 by Willard Hobbins. It was afterward owTied 
by various parties and about 1857 the steam }>ower was 
removed to some point m Pennsylvania and the mill discon- 
tinued. 

■Fewett's Steam Saw -Mill — -Was built by George R. Jewett 
in 1849. on the northwest part of lot 25, T. 5. at Portland 
( "enter, in connection with a steam grist mill and run by the 
same power. It was discontinued in 1852. 

I'ai/ S Goodrich s Steam Saw Mill — AVas built by George 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 179 

R. Jewett on lands of J. B. Fay and D. G. Goodi'icli, part of 
lot 14, T. 5, in 1852. The motive power was a steam engine 
removed from the steam grist and saw-mill at Portland Center- 
The mill was burned a few months later and never rebnilt. 

Wheeler's Steam Saw-Mill — Was bnilt by Elijah Wheeler in 
18()8, on lot 26, T. 5, near I*ortland Center. It was run but a 
few months. The boiler is still in place. 

CrandaUs Steam Saw-Mill — Was built and pnt in operation 
on North Division street, Brocton, by Samuel Crandall in 1871. 
It is still running and doing a good business. 

Whitchers SaiD-Mill — Was built in quite an early day on 
the east branch of Chautauqua creek, on lot 60, T. 4, but by 
whom built or when the writer has not been informed. It is 
now in ruins. 

Burtons Gi'ist-Mill — Was built by Simon Burton, sr., m 
1817, at the mouth of Slippery Rock creek. The water in the 
lake at that date was from three to four leet lower than at the 
present and the beach could be traversed fr-oni the mouth of 
the creek to Van Ihu-en point. Mr. B. set his mill on the 
beach below the fiills on ground now covered by water, too near 
for safety, and although a breakwater was built for its protec- 
tion it was soon destroyed. While it was in operation it was a 
great convenience to the settlers. It was the first of its class 
in town. 

Coney s Ch-ist-Mill — Was built by Solomon Coney a few 
lods below the falls on Slip])er}' Rock creek, on northeast part 
of lot 21, T. 4, in 1823. It was not a large mill but did good 
business for the settlers for several years, how many is not 
now remembered. Some of the remains of the building are still 
to be seen, and near by the "native buiT stones." 

Godfrey s Grist-Mill — Was built on Correll's creek, mi south- 
west part of lot 31, T. 5, by .Manson and Stafford (Godfrey, in 
1829. The mill proved a failure from lack of water and other 
causes and was sold in 1 840 or '41 to George Stoning, who 
converted it into a mill for the manufacture of coarse paper 
and hook board. Some vears later the buildino- was removed 



180 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OK 

by E. B. Taylor to its present position near the line of the L. 
S. R R. and the manufacture of. book hoard continued. A. 
few years since a flax machine Avas placed in the building by 
David Bacon and used for two or three j^ears only. 

Vanlovens 31111 — Was originally built by Dr. S. Pomeroy 
and — Lowell on lot 39, T. o, in 1829 or '30. It was a small mill 
for grinding corn and feed. It was sold to Martin Everett and 
rej)aired in 1845. G. M. Taylor bought it in 1848 but sold to 
Mr. Vanloven in 1849. It is still in operation. 

Broclon Grist-MUl — -The original mill was built by John 
C. Haight and Harvey Williams in 1836, at a cost, including 
the tannery attached, of $4,000. It was owned by various 
parties until about 1853 when it was purchased hj R. S. 
Morrison and in 1855 the building of the steam mill at 
Portland Center was removed by him and placed as an 
addition and the whole put in good order at a cost of $8, 000. 
It is now owned by Wm. Whaland. 

Portland Center Steam 3fW — Was built in 1848 by Geo. R. 
Jewett, on northwest part of lot • 25, T. 5, near the present 
residence of R. D. Fuller. It was discontinued in 1852 and 
the steam power removed to a saw-mill of Fay & Goodiich's- 
The building was sold to R. S. Morrison in 1855 and removed 
by him and attached to the Brocton mill where it now stands. 

^^Brotherhood'' Steam Mill — Was first set in operation at 
Salem-on-Erie (Brocton station) in the winter of 1872-3 by the 
■' Brotherhood," principally for grinding feed, which is 
furnished in large quantities. It seems a fair investment. 

TAHNEKIES. 

Parker s Tannery. — The first tannery in town was built by 
James Parker on the farm of David Eaton, northeast |)art of 
lot 37, T. 5, in 1 807. It was but a small and rude afiaii" : the 
vats were dug from the trimks of trees and placed in a ravine 
southeast of the residence of Mr. Eaton and the beam hovse 
was a log shanty. It was occupied less than two years, Mr. P. 
remo^dng to the crossroads. Some remains of this tannery 
with remnants of hides are still to be seen. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 181 

Tower s Tannery. — Mr. John Tower '■ started a tannery " on 
The southwest corner of lot ■^•4, T. 5, next west of the farm of J. 
McFadden, about 1820. This also was a small affair but was 
continued for several yeais. 

Kinnes Tanneiy — Was built probably in 182G on lot now 
owned by J. H. Ilaight and Linus Brnton, in Brocton. lie sold 
to Joshua Jackson in 1830 or '31. Remains of the vats may 
yet be seen. 

Brocton Tannery — Was built by J. C. Haight and Harvey 
Williams in 1836, on part of lot 13, T. 5, in connection with 
the south portion of the grist-mill. It w^as occupied by them 
but a few years, Mr. Williams selling his interest to Mr. 
Haight. It has since been owned by various parties and at 
present by J. N. Porter and J. H. Haight. 

Carding Machine. — The first and only carding machine 
of this town was put in operation at Portland Center, in 
182'), liy Orrin Ford, the first proprietor of the 
Laona Woolen Factory, since converted into a Paper Mill. 
The building stood a few feet north of the residence of 
R. D. Fuller, on lot 2o. T. 5, and is now occupied by George 
Couchman as a barn. • The first roll was carded by Jared 
Kisley that year. The establishment was afterward owned by G. 
R. Jewett and occupied by Vincent Dunn. The motive 
power was a sprmg of water now to be seen on the prem- 
ises of S. S. Jones, a few rods north of his house. It was 
conveyed a portion of the way in pump logs. 

Cheese Factory — Was established by Dea. A. L. Blowers, 
in West Portland, on lot 38, T. 5. in 1866, at a cost ot 
12,000. [See Table of Agricultural Products.] 

Cider Mills. — -The first mill of this class was built by 
Calvin Barnes in 1824. on a rise of gromul southeast of the 
residence of J. S. West, on lot 33. T. .5. The building is now 
occupied by Mr. West as a horse barn. 

The second of this class was built by Dea. Elijah Fay 
in Brocton. in 1830. It is still standing. 

Potteries. — [See Biog. Sketches No. 220.] 



182 HISTORICAI. SKETCHES OK 

Milliorights. — The first of this class settling in town was 
Solomon Coney in 1815, the second Simon Burton in 
1816. 

Book Bindery. — A l^indery was established at Centerville, 
by Vashni Millet in 1844, in the building now occuined by 
G. W. Hunger as a blacksmith shop, and for some years by D. 
Tallman as a tavern and dwelling. It was removed to Fre- 
donia, tliis county, in 1848. Mr. Millet now lives in Wis 
consin. 

Blacksmiths. — The first mechanic of this class settling in 
town, it is believed, was Luther Crosby, in 1816. He was 
a gunsmith, but worked at blacksmithing for the accommo- 
dation of settlers. [See Biog. Sketches No. 69.] As far as 
known the second doing business in town was Simon Burton, 
jun., also in 1816. His shop stood near the mouth of Slippery 
Kock Creek. Wm. Cotton settled on lot 47, T. 4, in 1817, 
and was a blacksmith. [See Biog. Sketches.] 

Wagon Maker. — It is conceded that Cotton Nash, the first 
settler of of Centerville, was also the first wagon maker 
settling in town. [See Biog. Sketches.] 

Shoemaker. — The first of this class in town was David 
Eaton, though it was not engaged in as a business, being 
made subservient to the great business of every settler, 
clearing land. Many of the settlers kept a few tools and 
did their own cobbling. The first doing a regular business 
is not known. 

ASHERIES. 

1. Coney s Ashery. — Most of the settlers had their leaches 
and kettles for the manufacture of Black Salts ft-om the 
ashes made in their fallows, but as far as now remembered 
but three establishments for the manufacture of pot or 
pearl ashes were ever put in operation in town. The first 
was by John R. Coney in 1818. This establishment 
stood on the north side of the main Erie road in the 
hollow betw^een Brocton and Portland Center, very near 
the line of the B. C. & P. R. R. on southeast part of lot 26. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 188 

T. 5. A pearling oven was attached, and Coney's Asliery was 
the great center for the trade in ashes, until about 1828 or 
'29, when the business was given up by him. A large 
quantity of ashes is still to be seen there. 

The products of this establishment were sold for the 
most part to Walter Smith, at first of Fredonia, but 
afterward of Dunkirk. 

2. Abial Silver established an asherj^ for the manufactui"e 
of potash only, on the south part of lot 34, T. 5, land 
now owned by Henry S. Mimson, in 1830, which -he run 
for two years. It was continued by Wm. Curtis for two 
years, when it was allowed to "run down." 

3. Morrisons Ashery — was es.tablished by R. S. &> O. 
Morrison, on S. Div. St. Brocton, on the site of the present 
residence of D. L. Brown, in 1843, and was run for about 
ten years. A pearling oven was attached, and during the 
last two years an eflbrt was made to manufacture saleratus 
(Bi Carb. Pot.) but with imperfect success. 



184 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Distilleries. 

In the early days of the comitry whisky seemed to be a 
necessity. It entered into the economy of nearly evev\- 
household arrangement, lentil 1817, most of it was 
brought from Pennsylvania, and "Pittsbiu'g forty rod whisky" 
was a cognomen in common use. The first distillery built in 
the town, was by Ethan A. Owen, in 1817, on part of lot 
53, T. 4. The track of the B. C. & P. If. E. passes over the 
spot, a few rods south of Prospect Station, on the farm 
now owned by Wm. Arnold.' It was but a small afi'air, i 
but answered the piupose: was run but a few years. Elisha 1 
Arnold who afterward owned the farm was a distiller, but 
his place of business was in Westfielrl. The second distillery 
built in town was by Simeon Whitcomb and Orris I*erkins 
in 1 S19, on a farm now owned by David Granger on lot 4l, 1 
T. 5, in the orchard north of the West Baptist church. This also 
was a small affair, running but from three to five bushels 
per day. It was in operation probabh' l^ut two yeai'S- 
The third of this class was built in 1824 or "25 by Silas 
Houghton near the falls in Slippeiy Rock Creek, on lot 21, 
T. 5, which he run for two or three years, and sold to 
Solomon ('Oney in 1827, who continued the manufacture 
for a few years later, how long is not remembered. No other 



(1) This spot was the scene of that fearfnl railroad accident, or "Prospect Hor- 
ror'' of December 24th, 1872, where twenty perso.-is, possibly more, lost their lives 
and others were seriously injured. 



THK TOWN OF PORTI-AXD. 185 

manufactory of this class was ever put in operation in 
town, with the exception of a small one for the distilling 
of brandy by Ryckmau, Day & Co.. in Brocton. This is not 
at present in operation. 

After the first few years of the settlement of the town 
grain was plenty and cheap ; rye selling for fi-om fifteen 
to seventeen cents per bushel, and com in proportion. 
Wliisky sold for from twenty to twenty-five cents per gallon, a 
strong contrast to the price for which it is now sold, $2.90. 
But a small proportion of the grain raised was distilled or 
Tised here; large quantities were conveyed to various 
localities and exchanged for liquor or store-pay, very little 
money entering into the arrangement. 



186 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XXXn. 

Taverns. 

In the "good old days of honesty and singleness of 
heart," so often the subject of reference in these later 
years, spirituous liquors were largely used by the whole 
population. "Whisky was the rule and abstinence the 
exception. Notwithstanding this freedom of use, it was 
thought as necessary to restrict or regulate its sale then 
as now. The license law in force at the first settlement 
of Portland, and for many years after, was enacted in 
April 1801. Its provisions were nearer the provisions of 
the joresent law, with reference to the granting of licenses, 
than any since enacted. AW licenses were granted by a 
board in each to^\ni called Commissioners of Excise, com- 
posed of the Supervisor and two justices of the peace. 
The Supervisor could in no case be excused fi'om signing 
a license if one had been granted by the board, other- 
vfise it would be of no validity. The idea of a tavern 
always carried with it the idea of a place for the 
sale of strong diink. The requirements of the law 
with reference to moral character, accommodations t&c. 
were the same, nearly, then as now, and if a man propos- 
ing to keep a tavern could satisfy the board with refer- 
ence to these particulars, he was granted a license to sell 
spirituous liquors under five gallons, and for which he 
must pay fi'om five to thirty dollars at the discretion of 
the board. In some of the larger cities from five to 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 187 

fifty dollars was cliarged. Tlie applicant was obliged to 
pay seventy-five cents to each of the commissioners for 
granting the license. Safeguards Avere thrown about the 
system and penalties attached to violations, but in most 
cases they were practically disregarded. 

1. James Dunns Tavern: 1808. — The first tavern opened 
in town was by Capt. James Dimn, on the ground now 
occupied by the house of John Dudley, on the Dunn 
farm, part of lot 30, T. 5, in 1808. The road then 
passed on the south side of the house. Mr. Dunn was 
fi-om Pennsylvania and arranged his buildings in true 
Pennsylvania style of those days, and in fact the present 
to some extent, a separate building for each department, 
dining, cooking, lodging and storeroom. In 1811 he added 
a large log building for a bar room. His first license 
was granted by Arthur Bell, as Supervisor, and John 
McMahan and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. IVIi-. Dium 
was well fitted for an inn-keeper and provided substantial 
if not luxiu'ious fare for those favoring him with a call. 
Mrs. Dunn was well skilled in the culinary art of the 
times, and acceptably catered to the appetites of her 
guests. To the weary traveler "Dunn's Tavern" was in 
fact an acceptable "lodge in some vast wilderness." It 
was continued for many years, but the time of its dis- 
continuance is not remembered. It was a rallymg point 
for some years. 

2. IngersolVs Tuverii: 1809. — Peter Ingersoll opened a 
tavern in a large double log hoiTse on the McKenzie farm 
on part of lot 41, T. 5, in 1800. His first license was granted 
by Thomas Prendergast as Super-sdsor, and John MclMahan 
and Perry G. Ellsworth as justices. This house was a rally 
ing i^oint for that region. Mr. Ingersoll kept this tavern 
until 1816, when he sold to Joseph Cass. Mr. Cass con- 
tinued until 1818 when he removed to the house now on the 
farm and continued it as a tavern until 1821. Afterward 
it was occupied by various parties, and amongst them 



18<S HISTORICAL SKETCHES OK 

Leman Averill. J. Boardwell, — Blood, T. Klumph, and others. 
When it was discontinued is not remembered. 

o. Barnes Tavern : 1811. — Daniel Barnes opened a tavern 
in 1811, in a log house a few feet east of the house now 
owned and occupied by A. B. Post, on central part of lot 
4, T. 5. It was kept open for several years after the close 
of the war of 1812. The first license was granted by 
Matthew Prendergast as Supervisor. The tavern was kept 
by no other person. 

4. Williams Tavern : 1811. — Wm. Berry piu'chased of the 
administrator of the estate of Nathan Fay, the farm now 
o^vned in part by Lincoln Fay, part of lot 25, T. 5, and 
opened a tavern the same year in a log house nearly on the 
ground occupied by the house of Mr. F&j. His first license 
was signed by Matthew Prendergast as Supervisor. In 1812 
]\rr. Berry rented his house to Da\dd Joy. Two months later 
it took fire and burned down. By direction of Mr. Berry. 
Mr. Joy bnilt a frame house the same season, the fii'st frame house 
occuiiied as a tavern in town. This fi-ame is still standing 
on the farm of Jonas H. Martin half a mile south of its original 
site. Henry Abell purchased the property in 1814, and sold 
it to Eichard Williams in 1815, who kept it as a tavern until 
1822, the time of his death ; renting it however a portion 
of the time to E. Goldsmith, — Nims, and possibly one other. 
The family of Mr. W. continued the tavern until 1825, when 
it was sold to widow Abigail Fellows, who kept it for a 
year in connection with her brother Jacob Light, and for five 
years by the aid of her sons, or to 1831, when it was discon- 
tinued. 

5. tTo't/'s Tavern : 1814. — David Joy erected a two-story 
frame house on the ground now occupied by the house of 
W. W. P-ettit on southwest part of lot 19, T. 5, in 1814, and 
occupied it as a tavern the same season. He sold to Wm. 
Harris, sen., in 1817. who kept the house imtil 1826, when it 
was purchased by Jared Risley, and occupied for one year. It 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 189 

was afterward occupied by Reuben Snow, Tliomas Ensign. 
Andi'ew Matthewson and others. 

6. Smith's Tavern: \^\o. — Martin Smith opened a tavern 
in the frame house built by Jeremiah Potter in 181-2. 
probably in 1815. (See Biog. Sketches.) How long it was 
continued is not delinitely known, but probably to ISIO 
or '20. 

7. Joys Log Tavern: 1817. — Early this year David Joy 
and his son Moses occupied a log house as a tavern, on the 
groimd where now stands the house of H. A. S. Thompson, 
north part of lot 19, T. 5. There was very little travel on 
tliis route, but as an old settler said with reference to it. 
••such a place was necessary, although in the woods, on account 
of the many loggings and log hoirse raisings tlu'ough the 
c-ountry. as a depot for whisky." How long it was kept is 
not known. [See Biog. Sketches, David Joy.] 

8. Coney s Tavern: 1822.— John U. Coney opened a tavern 
in the house now standing on the "Coney farm."' northwest 
part lot 19. T. 5, in 1822, which he kept imtil l83o. In 1834 
he built the tavern house at Centerville, and occupied it the 
next year. In 1 849 he sold to Cui'tis Wilbur. It was after 
ward occupied by Caleb (Iriswold. S. C. liiley, and M. (t. 
Barber. Town meetings have been held in this house since 
it was opened. It was discontinued in 1863. 

9. Sage's Tavern : 1824. — Moses Sage opened a tavern m 
the house now owned and occupied by J. N. Porter, on north 
part lot 13, T. 5, east of Brocton, in 1824, which he continued 
until 1830. The town meeting of 1827 was helil liere. 
and an exciting discussion and a closely contested vote 
with reference to the place of holding the next meeting- 
was had which resulted in the resoluticm -'to hold it al 
the house of Henry Abell" at the Gross Roads. At the meet 
ing in 1828 the old and vexed question was again discussed 
and a vote obtained to hold it at a point where the house of O. 
J. Greene now stands, on soiith part of lot 34, T. 5. (See 
l)age 25). The exasperation occasioned V)y this vote was 



190 HISTORICAL SKETCUKS OK 

the occasion of the erection of the town of Westfield. 

10. Martin Coneys Tavern: 1828. — The liouse now 
owned by O. J. Greene, on south part lot 34, T. 5, was built 
in 1828 by Martin Coney, opened as a tavern the following 
winter or sj^ring, and which he kept until 1832. It was occu- 
pied in 1833 by E. K. Barnes and by Wm. Curtis in 1834. 
It was discontinued in the spring of 1835. The first town 
meeting of the present town was held here in April 
1829. 

11. Williams Tavern: 1830. — Harvey Williams opened 
a tavern in a building standing on the ground now occupied 
by the dwelling of W. C. Warner, east of Brocton, which he 
continued until 1835. It was afterward occupied by S. S. 
Hawkins, C. D. Hadden, and lastly by (). D. Hadden. 

12. Browns Tavern : 1830. — The house upon the farm of 
E. P. Wilson, on lot 38, T. 5, was built in 1830 by Robert 
Leavitt, and opened as a tavern by him. In 1832 it was sold 
to Rodolphus Brown, who continued it to 1836 or '37 when it 
was discontinued. 

13. Tallmans Tavern: 1832. — The building now occupied 
as a blacksmith shop at Portland Center by G. W. Munger, was 
built in 1832 by Robert Leavitt and at once opened as a 
tavern. Mr. L. sold in 1834. It was occupied by Oliver 
Coney about 1836 ; and some years later by Darius Tallman 
who kept it until 1855 when it was discontinued. 

14. Mintons Hotel: 1833. — That portion of the building 
now owned and occupied C. S. Ogden, on the northeast 
corner of Main and N. Div. Sts. in Brocton, as a dwelling. 
was built for a tavern in 1833 by Milton Jones and D. Howell, 
and occupied by them in the fall of the same year. In 1836 
it was sold to A. B. Holbrook, and occupied by Alfred 
Holmes. It was occupied by various j)ai'ties up to 1868 
when it was pui-chased by Mr. Ogden, and amongst them 
Zadoc Martin, Darius Tallman, J. H. Minton, A. J. Mericle, 
J. W. Crocker, Richardson and Ryan and others. IVIi-. Minton 
owned and occupied it for several years. 



THK TOWN OF POKTLANI). I'll 

15. Exchange Hotel : I837.^riie north trout of tins tavern 
building standing on the southwest corner of Main and S. 
Div. Sts. Brocton, was built in 1835 by Samuel Hall and E. K. 
Southwick for a store and dwelling and occupied by them as 
sucli for one year. It was sold hi the winter of 1836-'37 to A. B. 
Holbrook, who sold it to B. F. Post. Mr. Post enlarged the 
house in 1837 and opened it as a tavern. In 1838 it was occupied 

hj Wm. Benjamin and father ; in 1839 b}^ Langdon. and 

in 1840 by Porter Pembertou. Mr. Post sold the property to 
Kussell Fitch in 1841, who sold to A. M. Himt in January 1850. 
Mr. Hunt sold to Z. L. (4(>odsell in April 18G5. The proprie- 
tors following were, U. S. Ladue, Darius James, Wm. Ken 
ouard, M. Francis, J. I). Love and D. Morey the present owner. 
The house has been kept as a tavern thirty-six years. ■ 

16. Jones Temperance House: 1839. — The buildmg now 
occu})ied by C. W. Haiglit as a store in Brocton, and the one 
occupied by A. J. Mericle, also as a store, were converted into 
a tavern from private dwellings, by E. L. Jackson and Milton 
Jones in 1839. It was occupied by them for two years, when 
it was discontinued until 1845, when it was kept by D. Tallman 
for one year, after which it was closed. 



192 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Temperance and other Societies 

No public expression upon the subject of temperance in the 
county, in the foi'ni of a society, was had until the summer of 
1829, when a county society was formed. In the fall of the 
same year the first society formed in the territorj* of the old 
town of Portland, and a correspondent thinks the first local 
society in the county, was formed at Westfield. Lincoln Fay, 
Isaac Durand and Robert K. Barnes fi-om this toAvn were 
present and became members. This movement aroused strong 
opposition and many honest minded persons held the whole 
movement to be an encroachment upon the liberties of the 
people and a step toward the union of the church and state. 
Societies soon formed in other sections and a town society for 
Portland in the winter of 1830-31, Lincoln Fay president, R. 
W. M. Dalee vice president, R. K. Barnes secretary, J. W. 
Morgan, Isaac Durand and others executive committee. 
Meetings were frequently held dui'ing the ^\dnter and spiing 
and addi-esses delivered by H. L. Richmond of Westfield, now 
of Meadville, Pa., and member of congress fi'om that 
district, Sylvester Randall of Fredonia, late Judge Randall of 
Illinois. Austin Smith of AVestfield, David Eaton and others 
of Portland. The societj^ was made auxiliaiy t(j the countj' 
society. A remarkable revival of religion in 1831 gave a fi-esli 
impulse to the temperance movement and a large amoitnt of 
work was done. The society continued with varied success 
and one or two reorganizations until the inauguration of the 
Washinotonian movement. In this effort the kev note to 



THE TOVrS OF PORTL.iXD. 19;^> 

success seems to have been struck. Throiigliout the coimtj- a 
gradual change in an incredibly short space of time came ovei- 
the peoi)le and the masses not only adopted the practice of total 
abxthtence but "publicty arrayed themselves on the side of 
temperance, integrity and virtue." In 1832 while the excite- 
ment occasioned by the eflbits against the ruling spirit of the 
countr}- was greatest Mr. E. K. Barnes attempted a temperance 
raising of a large barn at the then center of Portland, the 
barn now owned by (). Jerome Greene. Predictions were rife 
that not a stick conld be moved without firstly a moving of the 
spirit. Such an eftbrt was an encroachment ujjon old 
established customs and was met b}- strong opposition. "But 
the day of raising came, refreshments were ample, friends 
rallied in large numbers, and luider the management of Martin 
Quigley the work was done and the company went home with 
steady steps." — \_Mrs. M. B.^ This was the second temperance 
raising in the county, the first taking place in' Sheridan a few 
days previously. That or the next year a Iburtli of July cele- 
bration on temperance principles was had in the grove near 
the school house in district Xo. 8. David Eaton was president 
of the day and Grant Goodrich of WestfiekL now Judge 
Goodiich of Chicago, orator. By these and othei' means a 
healthy public sentiment was established \\'ith reference to the 
use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage. Of the pioneers of the 
temperance reform in town a correspondent writes : " There is 
one feature very marked in regard to them — they were true to 
the pdeclge. Many of them have passed away but they have left 
a record untarnished. Those Avho remain are nearly all true to 
the caitse they espoused." Temi)erance efibrts have taken varied 
shape fi'om time to time from causes hard to define. One of 
the most efficient agents for good in this direction was a secret 
organization instituted in the hall of the house of O. J. (rreene, 
on lot 34. T. .5, on the 2d of April. 1849. It was known as 

Portland Division Sons of Temperance N'o. 510 of the State 
of JV^eiv Ybi'k: Theii' jDlace of meeting was changed in the 
following June to an upper room now o^^oied b.\- Mrs. Traverse 



194 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

in Brocton, and soon after to a hall in the building opposite 
the school house in Brocton, furnished by Mr. Linus Burton, 
which they occuj)ied until the discontmuance of the Division 
in 1853. The charter members were Darwin G. Goodrich, M. 
P. Vanleuven, A. J. Abrams, Thomas Gushing. G. H. To^Tisend, 
O. X. Fay, Oscar Eaton, O. J. Coats, L. Clark, A. Bowdish, 
(xeo. Wells. The first W. P. was O. N. Fay. The membership 
reached 1 20. Some of the best temperance work in town was 
done by this order. 

Social Circle. — For the purpose of admitting females to a 
full participation in the duties and privileges of an organization 
of this class a new secret temperance order was instituted at 
Albany, this state, in July, 1850, called the "Order of Social 
Circles." A subordinate was instituted at Salem X Roads in 
Temperance Hall May 5, 1853. The first C. G., or presiding 
officer, was H. C. Taylor. The Circle was niunbered ten. The 
following were charter members : J. B. Haywood, L. L. 
Lathrop, L. W. Richardson, C'. W. D. Lathi-op. C. W. Bm-ton. 
A. E. Ogden, S. Burton, E. Elmore, O. L. Ogdeu, Alf. Bui-ton, 
M. L. Ogden, James Thompson, J. W. Bowdish. John OHara, 
H. C. Taylor, Julia Haywood, M. R. Lathroi^, Maiy Haywood, 
C. 0. Thompson, Harriet Bowdish, EHzabeth Elmore. Frances 
Taylor. Its membersliip reached sixty. It was a working 
order, but existed less than two years. 

Good Templars. — A lodge of this order (another seci'et 
temperance organization) was instituted at Portland Center in 
the fall of 1854, but was discontinued after a few months' 
existence. J. E. Harris was the first W. C. T. Their place 
of meeting was the hoiise opposite the tavern occupied by 
Asahel Peck. A second lodge of the order was instituted at 
the same place in the fall of 1868 wliich remained in working 
order until the spring of 1872. Their places of meeting were 
at the M. E. church, the hall of (). J. Greene, the hall of L. 
Douglass and lastly in the hall of j\Ii\ Wm. Clark in the old 
.M. E. church e<hfice. A Jodge of this order was instittited at 
Brocton hi the fall of 1868 but ceased to exist in the fall o^ 



THZ TOVrS OF POKTLA>'D. 195 

1871. These lodges munbered among their members some of 
the best mateiial in town, and they were efficient agents 
: the great work of temperancere form and are entitled to a 
large share of credit in shaping pubhc opinion with reference 
to it. but they failed eTentnally from the effect of those 
-trong revulsions that invaiiably come over all associated 
effoii; in moral enterprises. At the present wiiting there is not 
a temperance organization in town other than so far as the 
• aiions chnrches may be considered as such. 3Iost of the 
members of the orders named, now liTing. as far as known, 
remain tme to their obligations, and the town will compare 
favorably with other towns in regard to the status of the 
people on this question. 

Masonic Order. — There are in town tliirty-six members of 
this order belonging to lodges in other towns according to 
location, a j^rt to "Forest" lodge. Fredonia. a part to 
"Snmmit" lodge. Westfield. a part to "Peacock" lodge, ilay- 
ville. and a few to lodges more remote. Xo lodge has as yet 
been instituted in town, the neai* proximity to the lodges 
named seeming to render it impractical. 

Odd FeUoxcs. — ^A lodge of this order was instituted at Salem 
X Roads, now Brocton. in the summer of 1S49. Thomas 
Gushing was the first X. G. Its meetings were held in the 
hall of the Sons of Temperance. Its members numbered 66. 
Its charter was surrendered in 1852. It is not known that 
there is now a member of the order in town. 

Bible Stxieties. — ^A society of this class has been formed in 

town on four occasions for the purpose of furnishing the 

Scriptures to everv family in town not in possession of a copy. 

The fiist society it is said was foimed in 1833. which as far as 

emembered, as also the next two formed, accomplished 

The object for which they were create^! The last was formed 

in the summer of 1867. which, nominally at least, is stiU in exist- 

nee. It was made auxiUary to the cotmty society. What has 

eeu accomphshed by or through it the writer has been unable 

•1 leani. The importance of such an organization it would 



196 ursTOuiOAL sketches of 

seem ought to jirompt the best mterests and energies of the 
whole moral and christian element in its behalf. 

Anti-Slavery and other Benevolent Societies have existed 
in town at various times. No records were kept and nothing- 
definite can be written with reference to them. Without 
doubt they had their influence on the piiblic mind and the first 
to some extent aided in establishing the great principles of 
human liberty and civil and political equality that have since 
so revolutionized the sentiment of the whole country and 
wiped out the darkest stain upon om- national escutcheon and 
the foulest blight upon the moral and christian sentiment of 
Christendom. 

Early JSFeiospapers. — Very man}- of the settlers on leaving 
their early homes made arrangements with friends for the 
family paper after its perusal there. Occasionally one received 
it direct fi'om the office of publication. It was always a 
welcome visitor. Until 1814 these papers were received 
through the office at Canadaway or at the crossroads. The 
fiist regular paper laiown to have been takeii in town and sent 
from the office of publication, other than as above indicated, 
was the l>uffalo Gazette, afterward called the Buffalo Patriot, 
by David Eaton and three or four others in 1811. The first 
county paper taken was the Chantaiique Gazette, first 
published in Fredonia in 1817. In 1821, the year of its first 
publication, the Fredonia Censor was taken by a few, more 
largely the next year and afterward, until at the present (1873) 
the circulation is about one hundred. Of the religious papers 
the following only are remembered: The Gospel Advocate, a 
universalist publication which was commenced in Buffalo in 
1822 by Rev. Thomas Gross, circulated largely in town, one of 
the proprietors, Mr. Simon Burtcm. an early settler, gi\dng it 
his influence and earnest support. The Methodist Ma(jazine. 
published in New York, was taken by Simon Burton, jr., and 
Elisha Fay as early as 1820 or '21, and possibly by others. 
From time to time other papers were taken but the names are 
forg-otten. 



TIIK TOWN OK I'OUri.ANl). 19'i 



CHAPTEE XXXIV. 

Physicians. 

From 1805 to 1808 it is probable that no physician was 
called by the few settlers witliin the present tovni of Portland, 
in fact none were within reach, and fi-om 1808 to 1812 they 
were obli^-ed to rely npon Canadaway, and from the latter 
date to 1824 upon Canadaway and the Crossroads for medical 
aid. Dr. Sqnire White came to Canadaway in the fall of 1808. 
He was a brother of Dr. Asa White, of Sherbnrn, Chenango 
comity, this state, in whose office he commenced the study of 
his profession in the year 1800. He afterward went to Cherry 
Valley, Otsego county, and for a year was a partner with the 
celebrated Dr. "NMiite of that place, whose skill as a suigeon 
extended throughout the state. Duiing his coru'se of study 
he attended medical lectui'es three winters in New York city 
and was licensed to practice by the Chenango Co. Medical Soci- 
ety May 2, 1808. He taught school during the winter of 1808-9 
in what is now the west part of Sheridan, this count}-. [See 
Early Teachers.] From this time forward he practiced his pro 
fession to the close of his life. The fact of his having practiced 
for many years over our sjDai'sely settled region is well 
remembered by the older settlers of Portland. He was a man 
of excellent abilities and sliared largely the confidence of the 
people. At this day he is ofteii referred to by those who 
remember his eccentricities and his ability to divine tlie 
peculiarities of human character. He commanded the respect- 
ful consideration of the citizens of the to-wn. as elsewhere. 



198 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

as a man and a i^liysician to the day of his death. He was 
the first regnlarly licensed physician settling in the county 
and was siu-geou of the first regiment of militia organized 
in the count}'. 

Dr. Laioton Richmond — AVas the second physician doing 
business in and the first residing in the old town of Portland. 
He was the second licensed physician settling in the county. 
He was bom in Kent county. K. I., August 17, 1784, and 
removed with his father and family to Herkimer coimty, X. Y., 
about 1704. By untiring energy he acquired a good EngHsh 
education and mainly through his own unaided efforts, and at 
his majority commenced the study of medicine and in due time 
was licensed by the proper authorities. He married Sally 
Townsend, May 23, 1809, and that summer removed to 
Chautauqua coujity near the head of Chautauqua lake, in the 
IDresent to^\Ti of that name. In 1812 he removed to the ancient 
crossroads, now Westfield, and continued the practice of 
medicine, and for five years traversed the entire region fi'om 
the east line of Portland to the line of the state on the 
west. In 1817 he was induced to "sell out" and remove to 
southern Indiana, but owing to a series of hindiances and 
severe misfortunes he did not arrive at his destination imtil the 
fall of 1818. He eventually settled in the little \dllage of 
^yiensville, Switzerland county, then consisting of but a dozen 
log houses. The climate proving uncongenial and his health 
failing liim he was obliged to seek again a location m the 
vicinit}' of the lakes and in 1828 removed to Kock Hun, a 
short distance fi'om Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1829 he returned 
to Westfield. There he practiced his profession until 1831 
when he purchased a fai-m near MeadviUe, Pa., to whicli he 
removed. He died here in Nov. 1843. — [Hon. H. L. Richmond 
M. (7., MeadviUe, Pa.'\ Dr. Silas Spencer, who was for some 
time a partner -srith Dr. R., says : "As a man, a christian and 
honest practitioner of medicine looking to the welfare of his 
patients rather than to then- purses, he stood high above the 
reach of reproach." Dr. K. was a local preacher of the M. E. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 191> 

order, an easy speaker and of deep religious convictions. He 
had the credit of ha\'ing preached tlie first Methodist sei-mon 
ever preaclied in the county of Chaiitauqua. [See 31. E 
Church. '\ 

Dr fenn Deming — Was the second physician settling- 
within the old town of Portland and doing business witliin 
the present town. Dr. D. was fi'oni Connecticut formerly; came 
fi'om Oneida county, this state, to the crossroads about 1814. 
He practiced but a few years, leaving the profession for the 
less laborious business of selling drugs, opening the first drug 
stove 2A ih.e crossroads some time previous to 1818. He was 
for some time surgeon in the IT. S. army in the war of 1812. 
He was the first postmaster of the Westfield }>ostoffice, estab 
lished in 1818 He lived in Westfield but a few years, 
removing to Illinois where he died. 

Dr Silas Sj^encer — W^as a native of Connecticut but came 
to the crossroads fi-om St. Lawrence county. X. Y.. in the fall 
of 1817. He was a man of ability and very soon obtained a 
good re})utation as a practitioner, and after the removal of Dr. 
Simons in 1820 was the only pliysician in the old town of 
Portland for three years and did an extensive practice. Many 
of tlie older citizens of the present town of Portland often refer 
to T)r. Si)encer a d his arduous, self-sacrificing labors among 
the comparatively few settlers in town. He is still liA-ing at 
Westfield in the enjoyment of a green old age. (ilay. 1873.) 

Dr. Marchis Simons. — Dr. Simons was a native of Massachu- 
setts, but in early life emigrated to Chenango coTinty. N. Y. 
He studied medicine firstly in Norwich, tliat connty, afterward 
with Dr. Valentine Mott in New Yx^rk city and a. tended 
lectures there. He came to this coimty and settled in 
Westfield in 1816. In 1820 he removed to Forestville. in 
1 82- to Lodi, now Gowanda, but returned the same year to 
Forestville. In 1S36 he removed to Buftalo. in 1838 to 
Fredonia. in 1845 to Silver Creek and in February, 1849. ti- 
Droctrm. While li-^dng at Westfield he built the first bricl^ 
house built in the county. He was one of the eai'ly pi'actitioners 



:^00 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

ill tlie present town of Portland. A coteraporary says of him : 
•'He was a man of good talents and acquirements and a good 
practitioner of medicine." He was an esteemed citizen. He 
died at Brocton April 6, 1 865. 

Dr. Carlton Jones. — Dr. Jones came to Westfield abont 
1823. He did less business in the present town of Port- 
land than Dr Spencer, but was a man of skill, particularly 
in surgical practice : and became eminent in the treatment of 
inflamed eyes. He died in that place a few years since. His 
widow and one son still live in Westfield. 

Dr. Daniel Ingalls — Came to Portland fi'om Springville. 
Erie county. N. Y., in 1824. lie was the first physician set- 
tling in the present town He had a large practice and 
became wealthy, but eventually failed, a victim of the specu- 
latioii mania of 1836 and '37. He was a man of good skill in 
his profession. [See Biog. Sketches.] 

Dr. Silas Pomeroy. — Dr. Pomeroy came to Portland in 
1S28, and settled on a part of lot 40, T. 5. He was what was 
teixned a Botanic Physician, and was successful in the treat- 
ment of chronic diseases. [See Biog. Sketches.] 

Dr. Aaron Wilhtir.-^Y)Y. Wilbur came to Poitland fi-om 
Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1828 ; and for many years occupied 
the Price farm, now o^vned and occupied by Edward McGari-all. 
Although a practitioner for many years in othei' parts of the 
state, he never entered iipon the duties of a profession in 
Portland. [See Biog. Sketches.] 

Dr. James Ball. — Dr. Ball came to Portland fi'om xAlle- 
gany county, N. Y., in the spring of 1S32. He at first 
occupied a house standing on the j)remises now owned by 
\Vm. H. Bell on lot 33, T. .5, afterward a house now 
owned and occupied by Mrs. Salome Martin at Centerville ; 
moving to Salem X Roads about 1835. In 1841 or '42 he 
removed to Michigan, where he died a lew years later. He 
was a man of average skill in his profession, and is often referred 
to by the early settlers. 

Dr. Saxnders. — ^D)-. Saunders came to Portland about 



THE TOWK Ol' PORTI,A_NI). 201 

1887, and for some time occupied the house on Main Ht. 
Brocton, now owned by J. H. Haight. He remained in 
town but a tew years. removiniTj eventually to some 
point in Massachusetts. Although capable, he did not suc- 
ceed well in his piofession. Very little, definitely, seems to 
be remembered of him. 

Dr. Swartwood. — Dr. S. came to Portland hi 1839, and set 
tied at Centerville. He taught a select school in that village 
in the winter of 183i)-'40. Not receiving patronage as he 
expected, he left town within a year. "Whence he came or 
whither he went" is not now remembered. 

Dr. Barnes — Came to Portland about 1842 or '43 ; 

and for a few months occui)ied a house standing where the 
store of R A. Hall now stands in Brocton. He stayed less 
than a year, leaving for "parts unknown.' 

Dr. — Marcum — Came to Portland about 1841. He was 
a practitioner of the Botanic system of medicine as then 
understood, and was particularly successful in the treatment 
of chronic diseases. He was a man of good ablHty. bul 
unsteady habits. He removed to the south part of the 
coimty about 1847, where three or four years later. foi- 
causes not understood, he committed suicide. 

Dr. Daniel Henn. — Dr. Henii came to Portland from Cherry 
Valley, this state, in 1838. He was a young man, and com 
menced here the practice of I lis profession. He boarder! 
at the hotel of J. E. Coney. Early in 183!> he removed 
to Westfield, where he continued tiie duties of his profession 
until death, some years since. He was aii ambitious, energetic 
man and a good physician. 

Dr. Wm. G. Wolcott. — Dr. Wolcott came to Portland from 
Whitehall, Washington county, this state, in 1838. He lived 
after his marriage in the house now owned and oc^uipied by 
Mr. E. Kandall in Brocton. In 1845 he sold his property to 
Dr. James A. Hall and removed to Westfield. this county: but 
after one or two years returned to Wliitehall where he 
died of constmiption a few years latei-. He was Allopathic 



202 IIISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

in medical sentiment, but while living here adopted Homeo- 
pathy. He was an excellent man. 

Dr. Austin — Came to Portland in 1843 or'4. He was 

a yomig man and commenced here the practice of medi- 
cine. He had no family but boarded at the liotel of R. 
Fitch. He stayed but a few months. For causes not known 
he committed suicide at some point in the vicinity of James- 
town in this comity. 

Dr. tTaines A. Hall. — Dr. Hall was a son of Ahira Hall, an 
early settler of the town of Portland. He studied medicine 
with his uncle, Dr. Albina Hall, in the state of Maine ; attended 
medical lectures at Bowdoin College at Bninswick, that state, 
and after practicing in Maine for six years removed to Salem 
X Roads in 1844 and continued his profession. In 1845 he 
]nu'chased of Dr. W. G. Wolcott the house and lot in tliat 
village now owned by E. Randall, but sold some years later 
and purchased the house and lot on Main street now owned by 
J. H. Haight, and still later the house now occupied by the 
family. Dr. Hall was an active, energetic business man, a 
good practitioner and an excellent citizen. He died at Brocton 
April 8, 1866. [See war of 1861.] 

Dr. Lemuel Clarh. — Dr. Clark was born in Harbor Creek, 
Erie comity, Pa. He studied the botanic practice of medicine 
and commenced the duties of the profession in Salem X Roads, 
now Brocton, in the spring of 1845, occupying the house and 
store now owned by J. E. White on the corner of Main and 
South Division streets. He attended medical lectures in the 
winter of 1849-50 at the E. M. Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. He 
afterward practiced at P'redonia, ]May\ille and Summerville, in 
this covmty, and is now living on his farm in the town ot 
Chautauqua. He was a successful practitioner and a good 
citizen. 

Dr. 7?ose.— -Dr. Rose was an eminent practitioner of 

tlie botanic school, and came to Portland from Harbor Creek, 
Pa., with Dr. L. Clark in 1845. Being advanced in years, he 
did not engage in the active duties of the profession, doing 



TIIK TOWN OK PORTI-AND. 203 

but an office business. One or two years later he returned to 
Harbor Creek. Few men of any school were endowed with a 
better faculty for the successful practice of medicine than Dr. 
Rose. He was a man of excellent qualities. He died many 
years since. 

Dr Tlio^nas Ciishing. — Dr. Cashing came to Portland from 
Cazenovia, this state, in the winter of 1848-9. He attended 
medical lectui'es at the Albany Medical College. He was a good 
practitioner and succeeded well in his profession. He bought 
and occuj)ied the hoiise in Brocton now ow^ied by D. T. 
Taylor. Dr. Cushing removed to North East, Pa., in 185- 
and after a few years to Orleans county, N. Y., where he still 
resides. 

Dr. Horace C. Taylor. — Dr. T. is a native of Franklin county, 
Massachusetts. He commenced the study of medicine at 
Fredonia, N. Y., in 1845: afterward studied at Salem X Roads, 
now Brocton, and attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical 
Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, classes of 1848 and '49. He 
commenced the practice of the profession at Salem X Roads 
in July, 1849. He has ever shared in a reasonable degree the 
confidence of the people and is still engaged in the duties 
of the profession. He occupies the property on East Main 
street, Brocton, located by Hollis Fay in 1813. 

Dr. ■ Mclntyre. — Dr. Mclntyre came into Portland in 

185- firom . He pui-chased the house on South 

Division street built by T. S. Moss some years since and 
now owned by Mrs. 11. Kelley. He remained, however, but 
two or three years, removing to Wisconsin in 18 5-. 

Dr. 'William, Skinner. — Dr. Skinner was originally from 
Chenango county, this state; came from Shennan, in this county, 
to Portland in 1861. He was a cousin of Capt. Chester 
.Skinner of Brocton. He was educated at Columbia College, 
New York city, and was engaged in the practice of medicine 
many years before coming to Western New York. He was a 
man of fair talents lint infirm health. He died of eonsumi:)tion 
in 1866. 



204 lUSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Dr. Herman J. Dean. — Dr. D. is a native of Lockport. New 
York, and completed his medical education at the Ohio Medical 
College at Cincinnati. He commenced the pi-actice of the 
profession in INIichigan but removed to Centerville, in this 
town, in May, 1857. He is a man of good abilities and 
succeeds vrell as a physician. He married Eda, a daughtei- of 
Mr. Lincoln Fay, and now owns and occupies the premises in 
Brocton so long owned and occupied by Capt. James Budlong. 

Dr- Nathaniel H. Barnes — Came to Portland fi-om Michigan 
in 186^ and for one year practiced in town, afterward 
removing to Jamestown, this county. He is a member of 
the Homeopathic school of practitioners. Dr. Barnes is also a 
clergyman and some years since relinquished medical practice 
for the pulpit. 

Dr Thomafi C Wilson. — Dr. W. is a native of New York 
city. He commenced the study of medicine at Stockton, in this 
county, in 1866. He attended lectui-es at Bellevixe medical 
college in New York city and commenced the practice of the 
profession at Centerville. this town, in 1869. Dr. W. was foui- 
vears in the U. S. army, war of 1861. He is a young man but 
by perseverance cannot fail of success. 

Note. — It was the iutention of tlie wTiter to give a short sketch of each clergymau 
that at auy time marie Portland a home, in a manner similar to that of physicians, 
but it has been found impossible to obtain the information necessary except in 
comparatively few cases, and the effort is reluctantly abandoned. They have been 
named however, as far as possible in connection with the churches to whicli they 
belonged. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 205 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Merchants. 

The first store opened within the bounds of the present town 
of Portland was by Thomas Khimph, a son of Aiignstus 
Klumph, in 1817, on the farm now owned by Chester Mimson, 
north part of lot 37, T. 5. It was kept in a small room in one 
i'orner of his father's log house. Very few goods were kept 
and these were mostly of the Yankee notion class. A corres- 
pondent says that " a few yards of cloth, a handful of groceries, 
tobacco and pipes comprised the stock mostly." A perambu- 
lating German peddler might have carried away the whole 
concern upon his back. Mrs. Samuel Munson says that the 
first looking glass she ever owned she bought at this store. A 
glass was a luxury in those days. This store was but a small 
affair but was the first attempt at selling goods in town and 
was often a convenience to the settlers. It was discontinued 
after about two years. 

The second store in town was opened in 1830 by Abial and 
Frank Silver, in the west room of the house now owned and 
occupied by Cullen Burr as a dwelling, south part of lot 34. 
T. 5. The stock consisted of such goods as were usually found 
in pioneer stores. A good trade was established here. In 
1832 they sold to VVm. (Hirtis and K. Tinker. The Silvers 
lemoved to Michigan. The store was kept by the new 
proprietors until 1 834 when it was discontinued. 

The first store opened in Brocton was by Dr. Daniel Ingalls 
and Joseph Loekwood in 1830. The building is still standing 



206 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



on the southeast corner and owned by J. E. Wliite and occupied 
by C. O. Furman. In 1832 or '33 the property was sold to B. 
F. Post, who also bought the goods belonging to Dr. Ingalls 
and continued the trade for a few years later. Mr. Lockwood 
removed liis portion of the goods to Centerville. Various 
parties have since sold goods in the building- and among them 
Chauncey Hulbnrt, H. A. S. Thompson, Thompson & ^Vhite, 
Thompson & Wells and C. S. Ogden. A store was also opened 
here in 1836 or '37 by a firm fi-om Rochester, but failing, the 
goods were sold to Harmon Smith and the trade continued for 
about one year later. 

The north part of the hotel of D. Morey at Bro cton was 
built in 1 835 for a store and dwelling. The east room was 
used for the sale of goods by Samuel Hall and E. R. Southwick. 
the owners of the building, for about one year, when the 
building was sold and converted into a tavern. \^iSee Taverns.'] 

The building now owned and occupied by J. B. Haywood as 
a store, on the northwest corner at Brocton, was built by E. E 
Southwick in 1836 and occupied by him as a store. In 1837 
it was sold and occupied by A. S. Moss and J. B. Fay as a 
store. In 1839 it was purchased by Ransom S. Morrison and 
occupied by him for the sale of goods to 1 840 ; by R. S. & O. 
Morrison to 1845 ; by R. S. Morrison to 1846 : by Morrison & 
Moss to 1858, and by R. S. Morrison to 1860. Various parties 
have sold goods in this building since and among them Rufus 
Haywood & James A. Hunt ; J. A. Hunt, C. O. & G. Furman ; 
G. Furman & J. B. Haywood ; J. A. H. Skinner, and by the 
]U'esent owner in 1866 to tlie present. 

In 1844 H. A. S. Thompson opened a store in the room so 
long occupied as a bar room in Ogden's building at Brocton. 
but removed to the southeast, corner m 1848. 

J. H. & W. L. Minton opened a store in Brocton in 1847 in 
a buildmg standing west of the hardware store of R. A. Hall 
and now occupied by G. W. Thompson, on the north side of 
the street, as a market. They removed to the store now 
occupied by C. S. Ogden in 1849. After 1852 it was continued 



THE TO\\TSf OF POETl-ANI). 207 

by W. L. IVIinton, by Minton & Richardson and by W. L. 
IVIinton to 1863, when it was discontinued. 

T. S. Moss & Mark Haight opened a store in Broeton in 
1858 ; C. S. Ogden & J. A. Hnntiii 1866 : C. S. Ogden in 1867 : 

D. Baker in 1867 : Baker & Furman in 1868 ; C. 0. Fm-man 
in 1870; A. J. Mericle in 1867 ; Mark Haight in 1870; Moss 
& Haight in 1871: E. Elmore, hardware, in 1864; Ehnore & 
Thompson in 1866; Hall & Thompson in 1870; R. A. Hall & 

E. C. Ball in 1870, and R. A. Hall in 1873. 

Thomas Klumph was the pioneer merchant of Centerville as 
he was of the town, opening a store in 1832 in the west room 
of the house on Main street owned by R. D. Fuller and nearl}- 
opposite the M. E. church. He continued the business until 
the fall of 1837 when he removed west. This house was built 
by two brothers by the name of Goodwin m 1831 and '32. 

Joseph Lockwood opened a store at Centerville in a building 
a few feet east of the tavern house now owned by R. D. Fuller, 
in 1833. This building was afterward removed to the hollow 
east of Centerville and some portions of it eventually foimd a 
place in the house of George Couchman. 

In 1835 Joseph Lockwood and David Somerman built the 
store building on the southeast corner at Centerville now 
occuiDied by the family of Asahel Peck, deceased, and occupied 
it as a store for about one year, when the goods were bought 
by Horace Lockwood and the trade continued for a year later. 
Lockwood sold to Hannon Smith, who sold to A. Abrams. 
S. C. Riley opened a store in 1 845 ; S. C. Riley & Amos Barton 
in 1846 ; Amos Barton & Brother in 1850 ; Amos Barton in 
1851 ; Curtis Wilbur in 1849; R. D. Fuller in 1850 ; P. Mericle 
& S. C. Riley in 1855, followed by A. Andrews and others, as 
— Griswold, F. Tower, P. Barber, Fuller & Townsend, Fuller 
& Barnhart, Fuller, Mericle & Barnhart, A. J. Mericle, J. 
Diinliam, T. Rolpli & Dodge. T. Rolph, I. Shattuck, Dr. T. C. 
Wilson, di-ugs, E. T. Harris and some others. 

Various small grocery establishments have existed at various 
times but are hardly worthy of note. 



208 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTEE XXXVI. 

Fruit — Fruit-Growing aud Wiue-making. 

Portland occupies the center of one of the most impoi"t- 
ant fruit-growing regions of the state. Its whole 
extent is well fitted for the growth of the apple, pear 
and peach ; and all but a narrow strij) on the south and a 
section in the southwest corner, admirably adajDted to the 
cultivation of tlie grape and a large variety of the smaller 
fruits. It stands prominent in the front rank of towns, 
when considered with reference to the amount, variety 
and quality of the fi'uit grown. 

Capt James Dunns Orchard. — This was the first orchard 
of any kind set in town. Early in the spring of 1807 Mi'. 
Dunu visited his former home in Pennsylvania, and on 
his return brought a small bundle of young apple trees 
from two to three feet in length. To save them he wat- 
ered them in the small streams by the way as often as 
he watered his horse. Mrs. Dunn with her own hands set 
the first of these young trees in the place where it now 
stands, on the well known Dunn farm, and tradition has 
it that in after years she gathered the first fiaiit grown 
upon it, and the first of its kind matured in town. The 
balance of the orchard, very nearly as now standing, 
was set from those sprouts, and from trees grown from 
seeds then planted by Mi*. Dunn. 

David Batons Orchard. — In 1807 Mr. Eaton planted a 
nui'sery from seeds brought fi'om his eai'ly home in Mas- 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 209 

saehusetts. In 1809 he puvcliased one dozen young apple 
trees and commenced an orchard around his dwelHng on 
lot 37, T. 5. A few of these are still standing: but the 
larger portion of the orchard as now seen was set from 
trees grown from the seeds planted in 1807. That 
year he planted pear seeds fi-ora which were grown trees 
that thirteen years after produced their first fruit, the 
hrst of the kind grown, not only in the present town, 
but in the county. "David Eaton's Pears " were both a 
novelty and a luxury. Four of these trees are still standing 
and producing fruit. These pears were of three kinds, 
the Harvest Bell, Harvest Pear and Madeline. 

Elisha Fay's Orchard. — This orchard was set in part 
Irom a nui'sery planted by Mr. Fay from seeds brought 
by him fi-om Massachusetts in 1807, and in part from 
one planted in 1813. Pear trees were also set, but few 
ot them matured. This orchard is now owned by Geo. 
Smith, and stands on lands first settled by IVIi-. Fay, part 
of lot 25, T. 5. Ml'. Fay claims the honor of introducing 
to Portland those standard varieties of apples, since 
become so famous, the Iloxbury Russet, the R. I. Greening, 
and Spitzenburg; also the Baldwin and Sopsovine a little 
later, all fi'om Massachusetts. 

In 1820, Inman & Timiey, two men out of town, 
and largely interested in fruit growing, planted sev 
eral nurseries on shares with landholders. Some of 
these were well cared for, while others grew up a mass of 
worthless sprouts. The one planted on the farm of 
John Quigley a- as one of the latter. One planted on the 
farm of Nathaniel Fay was one of the former, and fiunislied 
trees for some of the best orchaixls in the countiy. In 
1824 and '25. fruit trees of various kinds were largely 
introduced from the nurseries of Wm. R. Prince of Long- 
Island, tlu-ough his agent, Rev. Charles LaHatt. The 
enthusiasm for nursery and fi'uit cultui'e. since so 
})rominent in the life of Mr. Lincoln Fay. began to be 



210 nrsTOKiCAL sketches op 

manifest at this date. In liis communication Mr. Fay says : 
"I read much on the subject, and introduced all the val- 
uable varieties until I had tested one hundred and fifty 
varieties of aj^ples, one hundi-ed of peaches, besides all the 
other varieties adapted to a northern latitude. Most of 
them were a total loss, not more than one in ten of all 
tested have been propagated for sale." Mr. Fay has been 
a life-long market fmiit-grower, has raised and sold trees 
on a small scale for forty years, "twenty five thousand trees 
being as many as he had growing at any one time." Of 
the variety and quality of fruit grown by Mr. Fay and 
also by all the principal fruit growers in town an estimate may 
be formed fi'om the following extract fi'om the letter of 
Mr. Fay: "I swept all the first premiums on fi'uit at the 
first U. S. Pomological Fair at Buifalo. Twelve states were 
represented. I really had, so said the judges, the best 
selected varieties found in any lot fi-om any of the states, 
and they Were obliged to award me the first premiums." 
Mr. Fay is still engaged in fiaiit growing, and although 
his nurseiy is on a limited scale, it is in fact, one of 
the finest in western New York. 

Elijah Fays Orchard — Was set from seeds planted in 
1813. It was set in part in 1815 and in part in 1817. 
The orchard was in bearing condition in 1821 ; seven- 
teen and one-half bushels of apples being sold that 
year to thirteen of the settlers, no one ventimng to 
purchase more than two and a half bushels. A large 
proportion of the trees in this orchard are still standing 
and in bearing condition, in all about ten acres. Pears 
were planted at the same time. 

Nathaniel Fays Orchard. — The nursery of Mr. Fay was 
planted fi'om seeds in 1815, on the farm located by him, 
part of lot 12, T. 5, and largely increased in 1820. (See 
EHsha Fay's orchard). He fiu'nished trees to settlers for 
many years. The orchard upon the farm, nearly as now 
seen, was set in 1820 or '21. A few trees were set before. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 211 

Pear trees were set at the same time, some of which are still 
hving. 

The orchard about the residence of the writer was set by 
Moses Sage in 1816. A few trees of the orchard of A. B. 
Post, by Daniel Barnes in 1814. A part of the orchard 
of Corington Barker in 1816. A few trees on the farm 
of H. A. Blowers, by Thomas Khimph as early as 1812; and 
a part of the orchard of Edward ' IVtcGarrall, by John Price 
in 1812 or 13. 

Orchards rapidly increased, and new varieties of fniit were 
introduced, so that at the present the town in this par- 
ticular stands second to none in Western New York. A 
congenial soil and climate with proper manipulation have 
made the apple crop one of the most important raised in 
town, and large quantities are yearly sent to market, 
mostly to New York, Boston or other cities. The variety is 
large, but those relied upon for market are those already 
named. 

Cherries and Plums were introduced very soon after the 
apple and pear, and are still grown extensively, and in their 
season are largely sent to the oil territory of Pennsylvania. 

Since 1855 Strawberries have been largely cultivated, 
and have proved a soui'ce of large profit. Wilson's Seedling 
is the variety principally cultivated and upon which reliance 
is chiefly placed. Other varieties are largely cultivated, 
but less extensively. The oil territory of Pennsylvania, 
Buffalo and other eastern localities furnish a ready market. 

Raspberries have been largely cultivated since about 
1 860, and find a ready sale in various localities, principally 
in the oil territory of Pennsylvania. 

Peaches were first cultivated fi-om the pits, planted in 
1807 by Captain Dunn and others. Veiy little effort was 
necessaiy, the trees growing almost spontaneously and yielding 
prolifically. The fiiiit was at first small and inferior in 
quality, hwi was soon improved. It was usually the first 
fiiiit raised, and the crop was seldom a faihire The writer 



212 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

well remembers that as late as 1827 the yield was so 
extensive that there was not even a nominal value in the 
market and hogs were turned into the orchards to fatten. 
Some of the earlier varieties were the Heath, Sergeant's Yel- 
low, Early York, Kensington, Prince's Rareripe. These have 
mostly given place to improved varieties, as Hale's Early. 
Crawford's Early, and Hill's Chili. The Early York is still 
a leading variety. 

For some years the peach has been a very uncertain crop, 
from a disease of the trees, called the Yellows. Of its nature 
nothing is known. Its aiDproach is insidious, and as yet no 
certain remedy has been found. It is, however, less preva 
lent than formerly. Other causes doubtless have theii- 
influence in rendering the crop uncertain, as the change in 
the climate and the blasting winds of early spring. Not- 
withstanding, there is seldom a year but some part of a 
crop of this luscious fiTiit is gathered. 

Fays Vineyard. — Dea. Elijah Fay has the honoi- of 
introducing to our climate and town that incomparable 
fruit, the grape. In 1818 he made an effort to introduce 
the native Fox grape from Massachusetts, but was not suc- 
cessful, the soil ])roducing large vines but little fruit. In 1822 
he obtained a few roots of Miller's Borgimda, Sweetwater and 
Hamburg varieties then ]»opular, but with no better sue 
cess. In 1824 he introduced the Isabella and Catawba, 
which proved to be well adapted to the soil and climate. 
The vines of these two varieties, covering a plat of ground no 
more than two by eight rods, were the only ones in town 
for many years, with perhaps an exception of a few on two 
or three farms or gardens. They were largely productive. 
The first wine made by Dea. Fay, was from grapes grown in 
1830. from five to eight gallons, and was the first made 
from the cultivated grape in western or even central New 
York. Each year an addition was made until 1859. when the 
wine house of Fay. Ryckman & Haywood was built and put 
in operation. Until the winter of 1872-3 the old stocks of 



THE TOWN OV I'OKXr.ANI). 213 

these pioneer vines were strong and healthy, and each year 
sent forth a vigorous growth and have tailed but twice of a 
crop of fruit since their first one in 1825. One of them 
had been trained a distance »>f one hundred and ten feet, 
and in 1871 yielded one hundred and sixty pounds of fruit. 
The severity of tlie jjast winter, l872-'3, materially injiu'ed 
them and they are in ])art removed. The tamily have still a 
fcAV gallons of the vintage of 1 847. Probably three hundi'ed 
gallons per year were made by Mi\ Fay for the last foui* 
years of his life. His cellars contained one thousand five hun- 
dred gallons at the time of his death. 

Wine House of Foi/, Rychman & Haywood — Was built in 
1859 by Joseph B. Fay, Garrett E. Kyckman and llufus 
Haywood on gromid obtained of Dea. E. Fay at Broctou, 
consisting of a wooden structure one and one-half stories high, 
80x50 feet on the ground, and with a double cellar, one 
beneath the other, of ten feet each in height. Facilities for 
the successful manufacture of wine were at once introduced 
and 2,000 gallons made the same fall. The success of Dea. Fay 
in the manufacture of wine had given an imj^etus to the 
cultxu"e of the grape, and at that date twenty acres would be a 
fair estimate of the area set and in bearing condition. Not 
imtil a few years later was it supposed that the heavy clay soil 
of the lake country or the shaley soil of the '■ side hill " was at 
all adapted to the culture of the grape and thus fai' it had been 
confined to the gravelly belt. The increase of fruit enabled 
the company to increase their manufacture from year to year 
and in 18G5 the amount was 16,000 gallons. Tlieir wines 
found a ready sale and from their excellent quality laid the 
foundation of the popularity of the present wine house of 
Kyckman, Day Sz Co. Mr. Fay retired from the firm in June, 
1862, Ryckman & Hayw^ood continumg the business itntil 
I860. Their cellars had a storage capacity of 3O.o<i0 gallons. 
The expense of the concern, exclusive of storage, was $2,400. 

Lahe Shore Wine Compmiy. — The establishment of the 
wine house of Fay, Ryckman &, Haywood gave a strong 



214 IHSTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

iinpeti;s to the planting of vines and at the close of the war of 
1861, when the minds of the inhabitants were relieved of the 
strain of anxiety consequent upon the war, the impulsiveness 
of the American character became strangely manifest in the 
avidity with which the people seized uj)on the idea of large 
profits and great and sudden wealth in the cultiu-e of the 
grape. The fact of the adaptability of the heavier lands of the 
town for grape culture had been demonstrated and vineyards 
of from one-half to two acres or more were set on nearly every 
farm and a plat of cuttings for new vines became a necessity. 
At the close of 1864 there were at least 400 acres of vines in 
tovni. The profits and fortunes of the speculation mania of 
1836 and '37 bid fair to become manifest on a small scale on 
every hand, so strangely the spirit of speculation runs riot in 
men when the balance wheel of cool calculation has lost its 
influence or been overcome by the force of impulse. During 
this state of things, in the spring of 1865, a jDroject was started 
at Brocton for building a wine house of more extended 
proportions and still further encoiu'aging the growth of the 
grape. With very little difliculty a company was formed with 
a capital of $100,000 fully subscribed nnd fifty jyer cent. j)aid 
in, which went into operation April 1, 1865, with Timothy 
Judson president, J. B. Fay secretary and Albert Haywood 
superintendent. By jDrevious agreement the comjiany ]diu-- 
chased the stock of 17,000 gallons of wine of Ryckman & 
Haywood and their entire wine interest, real and otherwise, for 
$38,000. The present wine liouse of Ryckman, Day & Co. was 
built the same season by the company at a cost of $6,500, 
consisting of a brick structiu'e 40 feet by 70, two stories high 
of ten feet each and a cellar to compare with the old one. It 
was supplied with all the modern conveniences for an estab- 
lishment of the kind, but from a series of mismanagements 
and a strange fatuity the enterprise did not seem to prosper. 
The comjDany became involved, a general derangement of its 
aifairs occui'red and stockholders became disheartened. At 
this juncture two prominent stockholders, G. E. Ryckman and 



THE TOWN OF PORTI..VKI). 215 

R. B. Da}', who held the paper of the company for large 
amoimts, commenced j)roceeding8 for collection, and on Jiuie 2. 
1868, sold the entu-e personal property' of the company, much 
of which was purchased by themselves, and in June, 1869, to 
satisfy a balance yet due, sold the real estate, which they also 
purchased for the remaining indebtedness of the company. 
Thus tenninated an entei-prise that ought to have been a 
success. The same inflated ideas of large profits and sj)eedy 
wealth were carried into the purcliase of grapes and the manage- 
ment of the manufactui'e that existed at an earlier date in 
regard to \due culture, and the result was but a natural finale 
of such a coiu'se. 

Wine Souse of Hyckman, Lay S Co: — This firm commenced 
business the first of Jtme, 1868. The wine jDurchased at the 
sale of the Lake Shore Wine Company's j)roperty was 24,000 
gallons. The storage capacity was but 40,000 at that date. 
It is at this date (1872) 90,000 gallons. The storage capacity 
of the cellars is 120,000 gallons. In 1870 about 200 tons of 
grapes were manufactured and a like number in 1871. 
IVIr. Ryckman fiu-nished 30 tons, 100 to 125 tons were 
fuinished by the ^^neyards of town and the balance tVom other 
towns and fiom northern Ohio and central New "ixjrk. In 
1870, 45,000 gallons of \nne were made and in 1871, 42,000. 
The varieties of grapes used were Catawba, Isabella, Concord. 
Clinton, lona, Delaware ; the larger proportion were of Isabella 
and Catawba. They have now in their cellars about 85,000 
gallons. Energy and judicious expenditure of capital has 
placed the business of the company on a lii'm footing, the 
enteiprise lias become one of lai-ge profit to the firm, and their 
■wines now rank equal if not superior to those of other wine 
houses in western or central New York. Champagne is also 
largelj^ manufactured. A brandy distillery is also attached to 
the establishment but is not in operation. 

Empire Vineyards. — The vineyards of Ralph D. Fuller, of 
Portland Center, were commenced in 1862, increased to six 
acres by 1867 and now consist of twelve acres. The fruit was 



216 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

sent to market until 1867 when the manufactui'e of wine was 
commenced, 200 gallons being made that year. In 1871 
10,000 gallons vv^ere manufactured, and at this writing (1873) 
he has in his cellars 14,000 gallons. The varieties of grapes 
grown ai'e Isabella, Catawba, Clinton, Delaware and Concord, 
the first in excess of the otliers. These wines find a ready 
sale in every locality where known. Mr. Fuller occupies the 
cellars of the tavern house built by J. li. Coney in 1834. This 
wine house is but an instance of individual enterprise in this 
direction and is a credit to the business energies of the 
proprietor. 

Wine House of Thomas Quigley. — The raising of grapes for 
market was commenced by Mr. Quigley in 1858. The first 
wine made by him (20 to 30 gallons) was in 1863. The 
amount made in 1871 was 3,000 gallons. He occupies cellars 
imder his own residence in the west part of Centerville. This 
is but another instance of enterprise in this direction among 
the citizens of town. A few others have occasionally made 
from ten to three or four hundred gallons, but only as a 
necessity fi'om the low price of fruit. 

The number of acres now (1873) set to grapes in town is 
about 600. From the low price of the fruit possibly a hundred 
acres have been torn ui^ the present season. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



217 



CHAPTER XXX YI I. 



Railroads — Bwftalo & Erie Railroad. 

Mayvilh tC' Portlarul Maihoad. — The act incorporat- 
ing- a companj- for the construction of this road was 
passed Marcli 29. 1832. with a capital of $150,000. The 
incorporators, names were ''Wm. Peacock and those that 
shall subscribe to the capital stock." The commissioners 
named to secure subscriptions to the stock, were : Wm. 
Peacock, Martin Prendergast, T. B. Cam})bell, James McClurg, 
E. L. I'inker, Gilbert Knapp. The extent of the charter 
was tifty years, and eight years were allowed for construc- 
tion. The intention was to construct a road from I'oi't- 
land Harbor on Lake Erie to Mayville. or to (%autauqua 
Lake near ^layville. From various causes the design was 
never carried out. It is quite probable that some portion 
of the present town of Portland would have been crossed 
in the construction. 

The special act chartering the B. & E. R. R. Company 
was passed April 14. 1832. The road was expected to unite 
the city of Buftalo. this state, and the borough of Erie. Penn- 
sylvania. The company was allowed four years to commence 
the work and ten in which to complete it. Tlie charter 
extended fifty years. The capital stock was $(550,000. A 
I'oute was surveyed and located nearly the entire lengtli 
in tliis state, sixty -eight miles, but nothing further was done. 
The stock was taken, but from disagreement in regard to 
route at certain points, tlie four years wer*.' allowed iu 



218 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

expire, and the enterjirise failed. The route through Port- 
land was south of the present road, at Brocton Station 
from twenty to thirty rods. 

Fredonia t£- VanBuren Railroad. — During the sj^ecu- 
lation mania of 1836-37, when the city of VanBiu-eii, situated 
partly in Portland and partly in the town of Pomfret, was rapidly 
coming into existence, it was proposed to construct a rail- 
road from Fi'edonia to that place ; and a companj' was 
formed for that purpose, May 21, 1836, with a capital of 
$12,000. Before operations Avere conunenced, the inevitable 
collapse consequent upon the excessive inflation of busi- 
ness and prices came on, the ephemeral city subsided and 
nothing further with reference to the road was done. 

Dunkirk <& State Lhie Railroad. — After the location of 
the B. & S. L. R. R. by way of Fredonia in 1849, a project 
«'^as formed for building a railroad from Dunkirk to the state 
line of Pennsylvania, nearest .the borough of Erie. This 
was to be virtually a continuation of the N. Y. «fc Eiie 
Railroad. A company was organized April 15, 1850, with a 
capital of $500,000. Nothing further was done, the object 
for which the iH'oject was originated — the diversion of the 
B. & S. L. road from the route by way of Fredonia to one 
by way of Dmikirk, being accomplished. The gauge was 
designed to be the same as th<^ N. Y tfc E., and the same 
as the E. & X. E. R. R., then in process of construction. 
[See B. & E. R R.] 

Lake Shore ck MieMgan Southern Railroad. — This great 
thoroughfare passes through the town of Portland nearly par- 
allel with the shore of Lake Erie, and at an average dis- 
tance from it of one and a half miles, and across lots 7, 6, 1 5, 
li, 21, 27, 26, 32, 31, 35, 31, 39, 38, 41, T. 5, R. 13 ; a distance 
of seven miles and sixty-two and one one-hundredth rods. 
The average cost of construction tlirotigh town was $33,000 
j)er mile. The road from Buffalo to the Pennsylvania state 
line was constructed by a company formed June 6th, 1849, 
under the name of the B. <fc S. L. R. R. company. The 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 219 

ronte was first located by way of Fredonia, and passed 
through Portland from fifteen to twenty rods south of the 
l)resent line at Brocton Station. By a subsequent act of 
the company the route was changed to one passing 
tliroiigh Dunkii'k. The road was constructed on this route 
in 1850 and '51, the first train passing over it from Dunkirk 
to near the state line January 1st, 1852, and from Buffalo 
to Dunkirk on the 25th of February following. The 
Erie & North East R. R. was purchased by this company 
under the act of April 18th, 1857, and the road oper- 
ated under the name of the B. & E. R. R. The three rail- 
road companies between Erie and Chicago were consolid- 
ated imder the name of the Lake Shore & IMichigan Southern 
Railroad company, the last act taking effect in May 1860. 
In August following the B. & E. R. R. was consolidated 
with the last and under its name, making a continuous line of 
railway five hundred and forty miles in length. An addi- 
tional track was laid during the fall of 1872. 

Portland Station at Portland Center was located on 
west part of lot 26, T. 5. Buildings were erected in 1852. 
Brocton Station was .located on the west part of lot 14, T. 
5. To secure this the citizens conveyed water in wooden 
pipes a distance of one mile nearly, for the use of the 
company, at a cost of about $600. Of this sum $500 was 
afterward refunded by the comj)any. Brocton Station was 
discontinued in the fall of 1867, and the one at Port- 
land a few months later. The present station is named 
Brocton, and was located on part of lot 21, T. 5, in 1867, and 
the buildings erected in the fall of that year. The real 
estate oT\^led by the company in town is one hinidred and 
ten acres. The assessors' valuation of railroad property for 
the year 1871 was as follows : Real estate $3,500 ; Super- 
stractiu-e of road $75,000 ; embankments and culverts, 
$45,000: buildings at Brocton $5,000, and at Portland 
$1,000. Tax paid on this valuation aside from school 
district taxes, in 1871 was $1,887.02. 



220 HISTORICAL, SKETCHES OF 

At a meeting of the assessors of towns along the line of the 
road in the coimty, held on the 28th of June 1873. it was 
resolved that all property of the road except land and 
buildings be assessed at a uniform rate throughout the 
county and that the superstructure be assessed at ,1540,000 per 
mile for double tra»>,k. For the towai of Portland this is douV)le 
the amoiuit heretoj'ore assessed. Brocton Station is at the 
terminus of the B. C. & P. E. R. Nearly 36,000 passengers 
were carried fi-om this station by the L. S. K. R. diu'ing 
the year 1872: ov^er 33,000 going eastward. The fare col- 
lected for this traffic was about $38,500. Freight received, 
forwarded or delivered dm'ing the same period was in 
round numbers 190.000,000 pounds: and the revenue for 
this service was nearly $3o,000. 

Buffalo, Carry ct Pittsburgh Railroad. — This road was 
chartered under the name of the Buffalo ik Oil Creek Cross 
Cut Mailroad. The articles of association were tiled July 19, 
1865. At a later date the name was changed to the B., C. & 
P. R. R. It is 43.20 miles in length and connects the city of 
Corry. Peimsylvania, with Brocton, in the town of Poitland, 
where it forms a jimetion with the L. S- & M. S. R. R. That 
portion of the road in the state of New York is 37.20 miles in 
length and terminates at the state line in the town of Clymer, 
on lot 49. The company ]:)iiilding from this point to Corr}- 
was chartered by the legislature of Pennsylvania aiid the two 
were consolidated Apiil 24, 1867. A route was sui'veyed and 
located in 1865 passing fi-om Brocton station across lots 21. 
20, 26. 25, 10. 13. 12. 18, 24, 23, 28. T. 5. and 40, 48. 47. 54. 
53, 61. 52. T. 4, R. 13. The capital stock of the company was 
$1,000,000. to which the citizens of Brocton and vicinity 
subscribed $25,000 on condition that the road terminate in 
Portland. The average cost of the road through toAvn was 
$33,000 per mile. To facilitate the building of the road those 
interested within the comity procured the enactment of a \vL\y 
April 7. 1866. authorizing the bonding of towTis along the 
roiite under certain restrictions, and directing the super-sisov 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 221 

to disp(^se of such bonds or any part of them, when obtained, 
on such terms as he shall deem most advantageous to the town 
but not less than par, and invest the proceeds in stock of the 
B. & O. C. C. C. R. R. Co. for the construction of the road 
and for necessary outiit, and receive a certificate of stock for 
the same. Under the provisions of the statute a vote of the 
town of Portland was obtained authorizing the bonding of the 
town for $20,000. lionds were issued for the amount by the 
supei-visor, J. B. Fay, bearing date July 24, 1866, with a tenure 
of 30 years at 7 per cent. They were at once sold to the 
following parties :- T. S. Moss and Moss & Haight, $10,000 ; 
U. S. Ladue, $5,000; E. Elmore. $5,000, and the proceeds 
invested as directed by the statute. This transaction was one 
wherein the town loaned its credit to the company for a 
specified object, receiving stock as seciuity. By agreement 
the interest on the bonds was paid by the company for three 
years, but on the fourtli year was refimded by the town. \_jSee 
Session Lims 1866, Chajx 430, P. 957.] The right of way 
through the town was guaranteed by 44 citizens of Brocton and 
vicinity, but on the issuing of the town bonds that guaranty 
was relinquished, the company assuming the responsibility, 
which gradually rose from $4,000 to $11,000. A respectable 
portion of the citizens were opposed to bonding the town for 
the purpose named, raised the question of legality and 
threatened an appeal to the courts. The legislature was again 
appealed to and an act was passed April 2, 1867, declaring the 
bonds legal and binding upon the towns issuing them. The 
load was placed in nmning order in 1866 and the feasibility of 
the enterprise at once made manifest l)y the amount of business 
transacted. The number of passengers passing over the road 
in 1871, which year is a fair, average, was 89,344. The I'evenue 
for this service was $82,754.52. The amount of fi-eight for 
the same term was 96 659 tons, and the amount of revenue for 
this service was $159,635.68. The receipts for mail and express 
service M^ere $6,577.23, and for miscellaneous service $474.78, 
making a total of $249,442.21 for the year. Prospect Station 



222 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

is the only one located on this road in town. It is situated on 
lot 53, T. 4, at a point familiarly known as "Fish & Banies'." 
A postoffice was established here soon after the road was 
opened with Alpha Barnes as postmaster. For various 
reasons, and especially the large debt incurred in building the 
road which they were compelled to carry, some time in 1872 
the company failed to meet their obligations to the Dondholders 
and the employes, and on apjilication of some of the former it 
was placed in bankruptcy. After due course of law the road 
was sold to the bondholders and by them to the Allegheny 
Valley R. R. Co., by whom it is now owned and run. 



THE TOWX OF PORTLAND. 228 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Slavery- — Political Status of the Town — Tables of Valuation, Taxes, Productious, 
Poijulation, &c. 

Slavery. — It is i)robably known to but few. comparatively, 
that the state of New York was formerly a slave state. Such, 
however, was the fact, but the e\'il existed in but a mild foim. 
Before the K evolution there was a slave market in Wall street, 
New York city, where the "bulls" and "•bears'" now congregate 
to speculate in gold and stocks instead of human flesh and 
blood. It was forty years after the Revolution before the last 
slave was free. The soil of the present town of Portland was 
never cursed by the toil of the bondman, but like other portions 
of the state it was no asylum for the slave. The law of March 
31. 1817, passed by the legislatiu-e of the state, declared a 
gradual abolition of slavery and its, final extinction by limita- 
tion. At tlie time of the enactment of that law there were 
eight slaves within the county of Chautauqua, belonging to 
masters who resided here. But this stain has long since been 
obliterated and not a vestige remains within the state. The 
following is on record in the tow7i book of the old town of 
Chautauqua, the only word tlie writer has foimd wherein 
property seems to have been recognized in human beings : 
Certificate of Slave Born in Chautaiique County: — 

I, IMatthew Prendergast, one of the judges in and for the 
coimty of (.>hauta\ique, do certify that on the sixteenth day of 
February last past was born unto me a black boy slave by the 
name of Jonas. John Dexter, 

This 22d September, 1816. Town Clerk. 



224 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Certificate of Freedom : — 

Chatjtauque, Api-il 14, 1814. 

To Whom it May Concern : — This may certify that William 
Harris, of the county and town above mentioned, aged forty- 
seven years, about five feet seven inches high, of black 
complexion, born in the State of Ehode Island, town of 
Scituate, of fi'ee parents, hath made before me such proof of his 
freedom as to the pretence of any person to the contrary 
notwithstanding. Given under my hand, 

Matthew Pkendekgast, 
One of the judges of the court of common pleas in said county. 

John I^extee, Town Clerk. 

Political Status of the town of Portland. — The political 
complexion of the to\vn has been pretty unifomily Clintonian, 
whig and republican respectively, since 181(). Cu-cumstances 
have occasionally changed this, but the following statement of 
the vote for governor of the state and president of the 
United States "vill indicate the sentiment of the to"wn since 
that date. The old town of Portland was erected in 1813. but 
did not vote for governor before the erection of Ripley. The 
reader is referred to these statements as furnishing all that is 
practicable. 



Vote of the Town of Portland for Governor — 1816 to 1872. 

Tbe * indicates Clintonian, whig and republican; t, bucktail and democrat; %. 
abolitionist ; g, freesoil ; II, knownothing ; U.. Union ; A. M., Anti-Mason. 

1816.— Daniel D. Tompkins, 46 ; Rufus King, 32. 
1 817.— DeW^itt Clint(m,* 29 : scattering, 1. 
1820.— De Witt Clinton,* 26 : Daniel D. Tompkins,! 20. 
1822.— Joseph C. Yates,t 195 ; scattering, 3. 
1824.— De Witt Clinton,* 162 ; Samuel Young,t 68. 
1826.— De Witt Clinton,* 185; Wm. B, Rochester,! 112. 
1 828.— Martin Van Buren,! 108 : Smith Thompson,! 65 : Solo- 
mon South wick, a. m., 174. 
1830.— Francis Grange]-,* 178; Enos T. Throop,! 85. 
1832. — Francis Granger,* 2l4 : Wm. L. Marcy,! 84. 
1834.— Wm. H. Seward,* 226 ; Wm. L. Marcy,! 109. 
1836.— Jesse Buell,! 189 : Wm. L. Marcy,! 124. 
1838.— Wm. H. Seward,* 263 : Wm, L. Marcy,! 107. 



rilK TOWT^ Ol'" I'OIITLANI). 225 

1840.— Wm. H. Seward,* 290 ; Wm. C. Bouck,t 98 ; Gemtt 

Sniith4 1. 
1842.— Luther BradisL,* 248: Wm. C. Bouck,t 84; Alvan 

Stewart, :j: 7. 
184 k— Millard Fillmore,* 2(JU ; 8ilas Wright,! 101; Alvau 

Stewart,! 51. 
1846.— John Young.* 1!)5; Silas Wright,! 7<i ; Henry Brad 

ley,! 50. 
1848.— Hamilton Fish,* 2i9; Reuben H. Walworth,! 8H ; John 

A. .Dix,§ 47. 
1850. — Washington Hunt,* 228 ; Horatio Seymour,! 101. 
1852. — Washington Hunt,* 275; Horatio Seymour,! 100: 

Mintliorn Tompkins,! 22. 
1854.— Daniel ITUman,! 299; Myi-on H. Clark,* 29 ; Horatio 

Seymour,! 5 ; Greene C Bronson,! 4 ; Wm Goodell,! — . 
1856. — John A. King,* 162 . Erastus Brooks,! 180 ; Amasa J. 

Parker,! 41. 

1858. — Edwin 1). Morgan,* 149; Amasa J. Parker,! 86; Lorenzo 

Burroughs,! 60 : Gerritt Smith,! 5. 
I860.— Edwin D. Morgan.* 216 ; Wm. Kelley,! 178 ; James T. 

Bradley,! — . 

1862. — James S. Wadsworth,* 190 ; Horatio Seymour,! 167. 
1864.— Reuben E. Penton,* 264 ; Horatio Seymour,! 168. 
1866.— Reuben E. Fenton,* 255; John T. Hoffman,! ^C^^>- 
1868.— John A. Griswold,* 292 ; John T. Hoffman,! 165. 
1870.— John T. Hoffman,! 134 ; Stewart L. Woodford,* 2^1. 
1872.— John A. Dix,* 252 ; Francis Kernan,! 177. 



Vote of the 2)resent Town of Portland for Presidents of the U. S. 
1832. — Henry Clay,* 205 ; Andi-ew Jackson,! 84. 
1836.— Henry Clay,* 187; Martin VanBuren,! 126. 
1 840. — Wm. H. Harrison,* 309 ; Martin VanBiu-en,! 92 ; James 

G. Birney,! 1. 
1844. —Henry Clay.* 264; James K. Polk,! 102; James G. 

Birney,! "^^- 



226 



HISTOKKML SKETCHES OF 



1 848.— Zachary Taylor,* 209 ; Lewis Cass,t 87; Martin Van 

Buren,§ 52. 
1852.— Winfield 8cott,* 273; Franklin Pierce,! 104; John P. 

Hale,! 28. 
1856. — John C. Fremont,* 1G5 : James Buchanan,! 145: 

Millard Fillmore, Cr 40. 
1860. — Abraham Lincoln,* 22(5 ; Stephen A. Douglass,! — : 

John C. Breckenridge,! 170 ; John Bell, U —. 
1864.— Abraham Lincoln,* 259 ; Geo. B. McC'lellan,! 172. 
1868.— Ulysses S. Grant,* 290 ; Horatio Seymour,! 167. 
1 872.— Ulysses S. Grant,* 243 ; Horace Greeley,! 181. 



Table showing the assessed valuation, the equalized valuation 
and the equalized valuation per acre in town each jear from 
1829 to 1871 inclusive. The number of assessed acres in town 
is 20,510. 



g 


esessed 
aluation. 


o-'S 


1 "tf • 


ce 


ssessed 
aluation, 


a* c3 


qualized 
Br Acre. 


;S 


<> 


a> 


H P. 


0) 


1 <> 


«> 


« a 


1829 


^ 99,485 
97,022 


$ 


i 485 
4.73 


1851 


$ 464,909 
584,026 


$ 627,126!$ 30.58 
672,126! 32.77 


1830 


97,023 


1852 


1831 








1853 


527,122 
554,046 


684,053 
679,053 


33.34 


1832 


139,601 




104,'934 


'5.' 1*2 


1854 


33.10 


1833 


126,387 


123,859 


6.04 


18.55 


507,318 


669,228 


32.62 


1834 


130,509 


150,390 


7.33 


1856 


510,951 


526,439 


25.66 


1835 


139,400 


157.903 


7.70 


1857 


490.627 


530,515 


25.87 


1836 


172,422 


272,423 


13.28 


1858 


507,222 


498,157 


24.29 


1837 


207,460 


19.5,911 


9.55 


18.59 


503,301 


497,252 


24.24 


1838 


239,124 


214,211 


10.44 


1860 


506,338 


492,9,55 


24.04 


1839 


267,422 


216,767 


10.57 


1861 


50.'»,361 


483,262 


23.56 


1840 


259.701 


220,746 


10.76 


1862 


518,316 


479,899 


23.40 


1841 


259,691 


225,344 


10.99 


1863 


.527,136 


478,679 


23.34 


1842 


240,340 


244,265 


11.91 


1864 


525,197 


490,165 


23.90 


1843 


269,970 


223,479 


10.90 


1865 


549,583 


.501,429 


24.45 


1844 


263,849 


220,516 


10.75 


1866 ■ 


.575,195 


497,164 


24.24 


1845 


255,930! 


224.221! 


10.93 


1867 


674,539 


576,445 


28. 1 1 


1846 


227,5781 


224,2211 


10.93 


1868 : 


691,011 


576,445 


28.11 


1847 


229,709 


226,88li 


11.06 


1869 ; 


682,603 


612.816 


29.88 


1848 


229,960; 


227,881 i 


11. n 


1870 ! 


703,794 


597.329 


29.12 


1749 


230,7771 


241,113: 


11.76 


1871 i 


703,815 


602,248 


29.36 


1850 


233,948 


268,430! 


13.09 











It is not possible to carry the table back of 1 829, as previous t, 
to that date the town included a part of the present town of " 



Till-: TOWN OF P0KT1>ANI). 



227 



Westfield, and previous to 1816 the whole of the present towns 
of l*ortland, Westfield and Ripley after the organization as a 
town in 1813. In earlier years, however, the board of 
supervisors fixed the price per acre to be assessed on farm 
l)roperty. In 1816 the to"wn was assessed as per resolution of 
tlie board, for unimproved road lots, $2.75 per acre ; back lots, 
$2.00 per acre: improved road lots, $8.00 per acre; back 
improved lots, $5.75 per acre. This valuation was gradually 
increased from year to year until it reached the sum of $99,48.5 
in the aggregate for the year 1 829. In 1 821 the board raised 
the assessment 2 per cent.: in 1822, 1 per cent.; in 1824, 
$5,000: in 1826, 15 per cent.; in 1827, 3 per cent. 

The personal property returned for taxation in town gradu 
ally increased from $1,800 in 1820 to $70,027 in 1869. This 
sum, however, fell off to $34,(526 in 1871. 

The following statement will be of interest as showing the 
difference between the assessed valuation on substantially the 
same property in 1817 and 1871, with tax upon the same : 



Owner iu 1817. 



John R. Coney 
David Eaton,.... 

Elijah Fay 

Nathaniel Fay,. 
Moses Joy, 

Peter Kane, 

A. Klutnph, 

Zadoc Martin,.. 
Moses Sage, 

James Wilder,. 
Ahira Hall 



■^ ;-( i -00 



Owners in 1871. 



o 

<^ 

100 

117 

169 

200 

137 



100 
56 
65 

155 

90 
66 



« a 



$943 
1,161 
1,583 

1,280: 
974 



1 ^ 

: H 

$3.71 
4.57 
6.22 
5.03 
3.831 



jT. L. Harris, 

Alfred Eaton, 

The Family, 

Franklin Fay 

H. A.S.Thompson 

IJ. L. Hatch and 

I jChester Skinner, 

799 5.11[Mrs. M.D. Leach, 

362' 2.32 Chester Munson.. 

385 4.51 H.W. Thompson, 

1,217 7.79 T.L.Harris, H.C. 

Taylor and others 
625 2.46N. pt. J.idsou Fa. 
260 1.66Santord Martin,... 



a 

4,500 
1,830 
8,695 
5,300 
7,500 



4,200 
1,950 
1,600 
6,900 

1,400 
1,300 



H 

65.32 
26.13 
126.20 
76.93 
94.35 



60.97 
28.30 
23.22 
94.64 

20.32 
18.87 



The above is not strictly correct owing to small pieces of 
land being bought or sold, but it approximates the facts 
sufficiently to show what was intended by it. 



228 



IIISTORICAX SKETCHES OF 



The following table \\dll exhibit the amount of tax assessed 
and paid by the town fi-om 1829 to 1 871, inclusive. It includes 
all town expenses except collectors' fees : 





IB 


t< 


"S & 1 


>< 


X 


X 


^ 






_H 




« 
^.E- 




^H 


h- 


^ 








|« 


a 


i/ 


n 


'^ 













s. 


!3 




c 


>- 


$ 210.68 


no 


M 





QQ 


pa 


H 


1H29 


f 84.76 


$ 26.37 


$ 267.78 






$ 592.49 


18H0 


194.27 


84.76 


96.79 


875.35 






750. 17 


183] 


265.61 


169.51 


21.05 


526. 8h 






983.06 


l«.^2 


175. 4U 


193.77 


84.71 


563.82 






1 007.7(1 


1833 


330 04 


194.25 


33.21 


525.03 






1,082.5:; 


1834 


148.8t. 


194.25 


197.37 


697 06 






1,237. 5-i 


1835 


219.04 


190.25 


61.85 


769.8H 






1,241.02 


1836 


213.39 


190.25 


128.86 


729.79 






1.262.2!! 


1-37 


126.94 


231.98 


26.32 


835.17 






1,220.41 


1838 


174.10 


290.47 


110,52 


735.32 






1,. 310.41 


1839 


271.9i 


290.47 


91,98 


706.37 






1,360.74 


1840 


299.88 


301.00 


66.31 


733.27 






1,400.46 


1841 


204.(19 


2.= 4. 55 


52.63 


715.73 






1,227 00 


1842 


177.9R 


254.55 


83.15 


714.11 


i,259'.i2 




1.488.91 


1843 


109.40 


249 45 




849.02 


1,23 3.31 




1.441.18 


1844 


162.01 


249 30 


""46.'93 


8(i9. 66 


254.31 




1,622.20 


1845 


186.96 


241.83 


26.31 


758.18 


I 36.99 




1,349 47 


1846 


186 69 


207.53 


49.40 


676.40 







l.ll9.i)'J 


184. 


168 27 


207,53 


89.20 


670 18 


'""23'4"i6 




1.369.34 


1848 


368.91 


222.73 


103.97 


617.34 


117.28 




1.430.-^3 


18A« 


155.17 


215.13 


51.00 


9S9.57 


120.25 




1,531.12 


1850 


168.25 


215.13 


123.51 


892.89 


137.12 




1.536.90 


1H51 


202.34 


.S42.41 


126.99 


879.91 


326.32 




1,877.90 


1852 


207.05 


442.93 


80.00 


1,007.79 


172 74 




1.910,51 


1853 


210.81 


453.52 


150.00 


975.91 


713 86 




2.661,09 


1854 


218 96 


471.26 


40.00 


967.20 


529. 3(, 




2,226.iS 


1855 


?12.I3 


447 71 




1,249.67 


876.41 




2,786.97 


1856 


228.54 


418.95 




840 13 


i 568 60 




2,046.22 


1857 


229.15 


439.12 




901 52 


i 1,293.3(1 




2,855.16 


185- 


705.94 


407.74 


'""'50.60 


1,071.74 


1 951.38 




3 l!i6,80 


1859 


496.27 


390.71 


70.00 


1,026,87 


1 911.16 




2,895.51 


18H0 


287,98 


360.99 


150.00 


896.44 


i 1.607.39 




3,331.80 


18til 


496.22 


385.46 


110.00 


970.40 


i 1.606. 1 ( 





3.568.1^ 


186-2 


244.42 


390.05 


220.00 


940.58 


2,080.24 


*4',2'oo".0( 


8,075.29 


1863 


214.67 


395.22 


100.00 


990.08 


1 2,239.60 




3,9.39.57 


18H4 


328.25 


384.61 


200.00 


1,152.81 


2,307.51 


2'9*,2V8.'"'8 


33,591.36 


18K5 


417. 6( 


396.66 


200.00 


1.676.13 


2,068.74 




4,759.09 


1866 


315,24 


399.80 


200,00 


1,706.70 


•2.665.38 




5.146,12 


1867 


380,71 


748.21 


250.00 


2,894.09 


3,920.06 


i « i "ti 


8,193.67 


18(i8 












l^oa- 




1.X69 


*6,433!96 


"847.66 


25b" 6< 


3.132.96 


2,'96(';!8(" 


l--«^ 


13,631.38 


1870 


*2,016.20 


782. in 


900.00 


2.757.92 


3,762.53 


1' - _ t^ 


10,218.65 


1»71 


*2,084.24 


XolA'l 


1 2,050.01 


2,692.46 


3, 00 2 69 


J OJ P 


10.680.81 



Rejected and returned taxes, a small item, are not included 
in the above. 

* Includes interest or railroad bonds. 



THE TOWN OF POKTLA>rD. 229 

The Population of the town at (liffei'ent periods since the 
organization of the present town has been: In l8-'!0, 1,771 ; 
1835, 2,181; 1840, 2,I8«): 1845, 1,966- 1850, 5,905: 1855. 
1,936; I860, 1,984: 1865, 1,816; 1870, 1,887. 

Population of Centerville in 1 872 was 233 ; ot Brocton, 308. 

Sex., Civil Condition, <&c., of the population are shown by 
the census of 1865 as follows : 

Population, 1,887 (census 1870). Males, 8!)6; females. 991. 
Single, 946 ; married, 783 ; widowers, 2-'5 ; widows, 64 ; others 
not known. Voters, 462 ; natives, 424 ; natiualized, 38. 
Foreign population, 182. No. of famihes, 409 (census 1870). 
Owners of land, J 05. Over '1 1 years of age and not able to 
read and wiite, 41 (census 1870). 

Age and Sex of jjopulation Vjy census of 1 865 is shown as 
follows : 

Under 10 — males, 184; females, 195. 10 and under 20 — 
males, 2V1 -, females, 20 1 . 20 and under 30 — males, 117: 
females, 143. 30 and under 4(J — males, 112; females, 116. 
40 and under 50 — males, 1 06 ; females, 1 08. 50 and under 60 
— males, 78 ; females, 76. 60 and under 70 — males, 56 ; females, 
49. 70 and under 80 — males, 24 ; females, 20. 80 and under 
;»0 — males, 10 ; females. 9 Balance of population, ages not 
kntjwn. 

Places of Birth of the population of Portland according to 
census of 1865 : 

Chautauqua county, 948 ; other counties of this state, 436 : 
Comiecticut, 36 ; Illinois, 3 ; Indiana, 3 ; Massachusetts, 44 : 
Michigan, 5; Minnesota, 3; Maine, 1; New Hampshire, 19: 
New Jersey, 2 ; Ohio, 15 ; Pennsylvania, 74 ; Rhode Island, S ; 
Vermont, 50 ; Virginia, 2 : Wisconsin, 15 : Canada, 1 9 : Kng- 
land, 45; France, 1 ; German states, 5; Ireland, 49; Scot- 
land, 3 ; Sweden, 24 : balance unknown. 

Dwellings in Town. — Census of 1865 shows that there were 
4 stone dwellings, valued at JS^3,50() : 5 brick dwellings, valued 
at $4,300: 362 frame dwellings, valued at *234,:^15; 2 log 
houses, valued at $ 1 75 : 9 other dwellings valued at $f)60. 



230 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Total number given, 882 ; total value given, $242,950. There 
are 32 dwellings the value of which is not given. 

Agricultural and other Proch(cts-oi the town for the year 
ending June 1, 1870, were valued and estimated as follows : 
Assessed value of real estate, $703,798 ; cash, or real value of 
real estate in tow^n, $2, 111, 394 ; personal property assessed, 
$34,345; No. of horses, 460: No. of covins, 1,270; working 
oxen, 44; young cattle, 689: No. of sheep, 1,789: No. of 
swine, 467 ; value of all live stock in town, $157,325. Bushels 
of wheat raised, 9,703: bushels of corn raised, 13,020; bushels 
of oats raised, 25,328 ; bushels of barley raised. 4,196; bushels 
of buckwheat raised, 130: bushels of peas raised, 15 ; bushels 
of potatoes raised, 14,051 : pounds of wool clipped, 12,215. 
Orchard products, in dollars, $23,695; wine made in gallons, 
25,270 ; products of market garden, in dollars, $4,695 ; pounds 
of butler made, 142,630: pounds of cheese made in families, 
H,370 ; pounds of factory-made cheese, 22,001); gallons of 
milk used in cheese factory, 27,500; ca}>itai invested in 
cheese factory in dollars, $2,000 : value of clieese made in fac- 
tory, $3,300. Tons of hay raised, 5,289 ; clover and hay seed 
raised, in bushels, 58 ; pounds of maple sugar made, 2,500 ; 
value of animals slaughtered or sold to be slaughtered, in 
dollars, $27,227 ; total value of all farm products, including 
betterments and additions to stock, in dollars, $234,545. 



Till-: TOWN OK POliTI.AND. 231 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Towu Mtetiugs aud Special Electious. 

Town Meetings of the Toum of Chautauqua were held, in 

1 805, At the house of widow McHeury. at tht; ancient 
ei'DSsroads, nov\' one mile west of the center of the i)resent 
village of Westfield. 

1806, Same as 1805. 

1807, At Mrs. Perry's (Mrs. McHenry), same as 1806. 

1808, At the house of Hezekiah Barker at " Caiiadaway 
settlement," now Fredonia. 

1809, At tlie house of John Scott, mn-keeper in the now 
\'illage of Mayville. 

1810, Same as 1809. 

181 1, At the hoiise of Matthew B. Lawrie. 

1812, House of John Scott. Same as 1809. 

1813, Same as 1812. 

On the erection of the towu of Portland town meetings were 
held, in 

I'^l^ At the house of Jonathan Cass in the now village of 
Westtield, the house standing a little in the rear of the store 
of H. J. iVIinton. 

18^5, At the house of Mrs. Sarah Perry. Same as 1807. 

181G. At the house of Martin Smith, house standing where 
the house of Milton J. ^Muiison now stands, on lot 33, T. 5. E. 
13; house built by Jeremiah Potter in 1812. the first frame 
house built in the present town of Portland. 

1817, At the house of Martin Smith. Same as 1816. 



232 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

1818, At the house of Joseph Cass on the McKenzie farm, 
part of lot 41 , T. 5. This year the present fi-ame dwelling was 
built, but it is not known whether the town meeting was held 
in this or in the old double log house aciross the way, in which 
Mr. Cass lived two years. 

1819, At the house of Joseph Cass. Same as 18 1 8. 

1820, At the house of Joseph Cass. Same as 1 819. 

1821, At the house of Perry (t. Ellsworth. Same as Joseph 
Cass. 

1822, At the house of Jonathan Boardwell. same as Joseph 
( 'ass. on the McKenzie farm. 

1823 and '24. Same as 1822. 

1825, House of Lemon Averill. Same as Joseph Cass. [See 
1 818.] 

1826, House of Lemon Averill. Same as 1825. 

1827, House of Moses Sage : house now owned and occupied 
by J. N. Porter, east of Brocton. on part ot lot 1 3, T. 5. 

1828, House of Henry Abell in the village of Westlield '• 
house standing where the Brewer block now stands. 

1829, At the house of Martin Coney in the present town of 
Portland ; house now owned and occupied by (). Jerome 
<Treene, on part of lot 34, T. 5. 

1830, House of Martin Coney. Same as 1829. 

1831, At the house of Andrew .Mathewson ; house standing 
where the liouse of Wm. W. Pettit now stands, on central part 
of lot 19, T. 5. 

1832, At the house of John R. Coney; house standing upon 
tlie " Coney fcu-m," northwest corner of lot 19, T. 5. 

1 833, At the house of R. K. Barnes. Same as 1 829. 

1834, At the house of Wm. Curtis ; house now occupied by 
O. J. Greene. Same as 1833. 

1 835, At the house of Jolm R. Coney, the tavern house built 
by him at Portland Center in 1 834 on the northwest comer of 
lot 25, T. 5. 

From this date to the present (1873) the tovm meetings have 
been uniformly held at the same place as in 1835. The fall 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 233 

elections were held eacli year at the place of holding the town 
meetings, according to tl\e provisions of the statute. 
Special Ihinn Meetings have been held as follows : 

1st, January 27, 1816, at the house of Mrs. Sarah Perry, 
with reference to a division of the town. It was adjourned to 
the house of Peri-j- G. Ellsworth. The vote was 4G in favoi- 
and 51 against a <li\'isioM. 

2d, May 12, 1818, at the house of Joseph Cass, for the 
election of town officers failing to qualify. 

3d. July 12, 1824, at the house of Jonathan Boardwell, for 
the election of officers failing to qualify. 

4:th. January 29, lSo3, at the liouse of R. K. Barnes, with 
reference to the disposition of the poor finid. {See School 

5th, May 2, 1836, at the house of J. W. Coney, for the 
election of officers failing to qualify. 

6th. May 6, 1839 ; same as 1836. 

7th, May 19, 1846, at the house of J. R. Coney, with refer- 
ence to the granting of licenses to sell intoxicating liquors. 
[See act May 14. 1845.] Vote cast. 280. For license. 115; 
opposed, 165. 

8tli, May 1. 1847. at the house of J. R. Coney, with refer- 
ence to granting of licenses, ms in 1846. ^\Tiole vote, 289. For 
license. 160 ; opposed, 1 20. 

9th. Ai>ril 10. 1851, at tlie house of C ileb Griswold, for the 
election of town officers failing to qualify. 

10th, March 8, 1804, at the house of S. C. Riley, wiih refer- 
ence to tax for boiuity for veteran soldiers reenlisting — war of 
1861. ISee Tfar o/" 1861.] 

1 1 th, July 30. 1 864. at the office of Isaac Shattuck. with 
reference to tax as bomity for those enlisting imder the call of 
the president of July 18. 1804— war of 1861. \_See War of 
1861.] 

12th. January 7. 1865, at the house of S. C. Hiley, witli 
reference to tax as bounty for vohxnteers under the call for 



2'd-i HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

men made December 10, 1864 — war of 1861. \_'See War of 
1861.] 

Special General J^lectiontt have been held as follows : 

1. A})ril 30, 1816, and two following days, for election of 
member of the 1 4th congress. Y(jte cast as follows : Archibald 
S. Clark, 44 : Daniel W. Lewis, 33. 

•2. Jnne 19, 20. 21, 1821, for members of constitutional 
convention, in accordance with act of March 13, 1821. Vote 
cast as follows: Augustus Porter, 73; Samuel Riissell, 76: 
Joseph AV. Moiilton. 21 : Philo Orton, 20 : Matthew Prender- 
gast, I. 

3. Held on the third Tuesday in January, 1822, and two 
following <lays, with leference to the adoption of the new 
constitution fiamed in 1821. Vote cast, 103. For, 102; 
opposed. 1. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 235 



CHAPTER XL. 

Town Officers — Sui)crvisors. 

1. John McMahan was the first supervisor of the old 
town of Chautauqua, elected April 1805, and re-elected 
in 1806 and 1807, and met with the board of Genesee 

. county at Batavia. "He was the son of James, and bom 
in Cliilisquaqua, Pennsylvania, about 1764. He came to 
Chautauqua Creek in 1803, and purchased in the present 
town of Westfield 22,014 acres of land, and erected mills 
(.n the creek in 1804. He died at Mayville, September 
22, 1831, aged 66 years."— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 

2. Arthur Bell — Was elected supervisor of Chautauqua 
in April, 1808, and served with the Niagara county board 
which met at Buffalo. "He was bona at Paxton, Dauphin 
county, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1753. He was a revolu- 
tionary soldier. He was one of the founders of the first 
Presbyterian church in the county. He died August 6, 
1834, aged 81 years."— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 

3. Thomas Prenderyast — Was the fii-st sujDervisor of 
the town of Chautauqua after its division, elected in 1809. 
"He was the son of William, and bom in Pawling, 
N. Y., September 14, 1758. He emigrated to the present 
town of Ripley in 1806, where lie died June 3, 1842, 
liged 84 years." He was the first supervisor of the ancient 
town of Portland, elected in 1814. He was a patriarch on 
the board, representing Ripley fi-om 1817 to 1S27 inclusive 
excepting 1 826.— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 



236 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

4. Matthew Prendergast — Was supervisor of Chautauqua 
in 1810 and 1811. "He was the eldest son of William, 
and was born in PawHng, N. Y., and emigrated from Pitts - 
town, N. Y., to Chautauqua in 1806. He was sixty years of 
age when he came to this county." He was for some 
years a judge of the comlt3^ He died at his residence on 
the west side of Cliautauqua Lake, February' l'4. 1838, aged 
83.— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 

5. Samuel Ayers — Was supervisor of Chautauqua in 
1812. His residence was on the east side of Chautauqua 
Lake. '"He was born at Killingw^orth, Connecticut, Nov- 
ember 0th, 1769, and came to Chautauqua in 1808. He 
removed to Mason county, Virginia, about 1825, where he 
died August 29th, 1829."— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 

6. tTohn Scott — Was supervisor of Chautauq;aa in 1 813. " 
"He was the son of William, and born in Taunton. Mass- 
achusetts, January 1, 1770. He came to Canadaway settle- 
ment in 1804, married Brilliant, a daughter of Dea. Orsa- 
mus Holmes, and settled in Mayville in 1807. and opened 
a public house. He removed fi'om Mayville in 1826, and 
eventually settled* in Lee county, Illinois, where he died in 

1 845."— [Hon. E. T. Foote.] 

7. Thomas Prenderf/ast. — [See No. 3. ] 

8. David Eaton — Was the second supervisor of the 
ancient town of Portland, serving on the board for 1815 
and for the second town of Portland for 1>^16 and 1817. 
He was also a member from the present town for 1838. 
'34, '35.— [See Biog. Sketches.] 

9. Thomas B. Campbell — Is of Scotch descent. His 
grandfather. Thomas, was born in Ai-jillshire, Scotland ; his 
father in Londonderry, New Hampshire, and his mother 
ill Bedford, same state. Judge Campbell was bom in 
Alexandra, Grafton county, of that state. May 19th, 1788. 
He came to the ancient crOvSS roads in March. '817, was 
elected super\'isor in 1818. and for nine years in succession. 
He was chairman of the board in 1820. "23. '24 and '25. 



THE TOWN OF POBTI-AJND. 237 

In his letter he says : ''I have been a resident of the 
same homestead I now occupy fifty-five years, and there 
.•ire but few of my former associates now remaining — some 
have removed but many have died. I have lived to wit- 
ness the contrast between the appearance and condition of 
the county fifty five years ago, then almost a wilderness, 
and now, one of the most prosperous and promising counties 
of the Empire State." 

10. Elis/ia Arnold — Was supervisor of the second town 
of Portland foi' 1827 and 1828, and for the present 
town for i8Jt), '31 and '32. Me was an active, efficient 
member. — [See Biog. Sketches No. 2G1.] 

I 1 . Nathaniel Fay — Was siipervisor for the year 1 83U. 
He served his constituents well, and filled various posi- 
tions in town tor many years. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 

12. David Eaton. — [See No. 8, also Biog. Sketches.] 

13. Asa Andrews — Was supervisor for 1836 and 1840. 
He was an etticient officer. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 

14. Timothy Judson — Was elected to nearly every 
position in town, and to that of supervisor for the years 
1837, '38, 39. '41, 42, '43, '4G, '47, '49. .52. '53, and 'o4. He 
was chaii-man of the board in 1839, 1 852, 1853 aiid 1854. 
[See Biog. Sketches.] 

15. John R. Coney — Was elected supervisor of the 
town for 1844, '45 and '51. He was a capable business 
man. — [See Biog. Sketches.] 

1(1 Rbenezer Harris — Was supervisor for the year 184s. 
— [See Biog. Sketches.] 

17. Asa Blood — Was supervisor of the town for 1 fS50. 
He was the son of Comfort and Mary Morey Blood, and 
was born in Vermont, April 8tli. 1808. He emigrated to 
Mayville. in this county, in 1829, and to Portland in 1831. 
and for thirty-five years lived on a farm near Portland Center, 
part of lot 26. T. 5. He was an active business man and 
large dealer in cattle. He now lives at WestHeM. this 
oountv- 



238 HISTOltlCAI, SKETCHES OK 

18. Charles A. Marsh — Was suj)ervisor for the yeai' 
1855, and was an efficient officer. He was the son of 
Isaac and Polly Roby Marsh, and was born at Nashua, N. 
H., and came with his family from Michigan io Portland in 
June, 1836 ; settling with his father on northwest part of 
lot 24, T. 5. By an accident some years since Mr. Marsh 
became disabled, the motor nerves of his lower extremi- 
ties became paralyzed, and he has since been unable to 
walk. He now lives on his farm at Portland Center. 

19. Darwin G. Goodrich — Was elected supervisor foi' 
the years 1856 and 1858, and was an active, capable officer- 
He was the son of Charles and Rebecca Brownell Goodrich, 
and was born at Sinclairville, this county, December 25, 
1824, and came with the family to Portland in 1835. He 
was a dealer in wood and lumber. He now lives at Clermont, 
Iowa, and is editor and publisher of a spirited weekly 
paper at that place. 

20. Halph D. Fuller — Was elected supervisor of the 
town for the year 1857. He was the son of Ebenezer and 
Hannah House Fuller, and was born in Cazenovia, this 
state, Febmary 26, 1 820. He came to Portland in 1845. Mr. 
Fuller is a merchant, and proprietor of the Empire Vineyards 
at Portland Center. 

21. Horace C. Taylor — Son of Bernice and Caroline Esta 
brook Taylor, was born in Montague, Franklin county, Massa- 
chusetts, November 26th, 1813. He came with his family t(> 
Fredonia, this county, in the spring of 1827, and settled in 
Portland in October, 1847. He was elected siipervisor of the 
town for the years 1859, '61 and 62. He is a physician. 
and has been in the practice of his i^rofession at I^rocton 
since 1849. He was supervist)r during the first two years 
of the war of 1861, and shared largely in the perplexing 
duties of the position, with reference to raising men and 
means to answer the calls of the government. 

22. Gurdon M. Taylor — Was the son of Erastus and 
Elizabeth Mathewson Taylor, and was born in Portland. 



THK TOWN 01' r()RT[,ANI>. 239 

May 10th, 1821. He was elected supei-visor in 18G0. He 
was a man of sterling integrity and an esteemed citizen. He 
was a farmer, and died March 4tli, 1861, on the farm settled by 
his father in 1809. 

23. Albert Hnywood — Son of Benjamin and Polly Sawyer 
Haywood, was born in Jaffrey, Cheshire coimty, N. H., August 
10th, 1825, and came to Portland from there in May, 1855. 
He was elected supervisor for 1863 and '64, the last two 
years of the war of 1861, when the duties of the office with 
reference to raising men to till the quota of the town, 
and money by taxation and otherwise, were jierplexing 
and arduous, yet were acceptably discharged. Mr. Haywood 
is a dealer in horses and cattle and resides in Fredonia. 

24. Joseph B. Fay. — Mr. Fay for many years shared the 
confidence of the people, and was often elected to office : 
and for the years 1866 and '67 was a member of Assembly 
from the first district of this comity. He was the son 
of Elijah and Lucy Belknap Fay, and was born in Portland, 
May 17th, 1817. He was elected supervisor for the years 
1865 and 1866. Mr. Fay is a farmer and fi-uit grower, but a 
year since sold his interest in town, and is now living at Toj^eka, 
Kansas. 

25. Alfred Eaton — Tlie son of David and Mercy Eaton, 
was born in Portland, March 4th, 1815. He was elected 
supervisor of the town for the years 1867 and '68, and dis- 
charged the duties of the office acceptably. He is a farmer 
and occupies the farm settled by his father in 1806. He was 
elected a justice of the peace in 1869. 

26. Joseph E. Harris — The son of Joshua and Clarissa 
Scott Harris ; was born in the county of Windliani. Vermont, 
oTuly 15th, 1809. He came to Portland in 1831. In some 
capacity he served the town many years. He was elected 
supervisor for the yaar 1869. Mr. Harris is a farmer and 
occupies a portion of the land settled by Wm. Dunham in 
1816. 

27. Theodore S. Moss — Was elected supervisor for the 

31 



MO ■ HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

years 1870, '71, "72 and '73. He was the son of Edward 
and Sally Sherwood Moss, and was born in Washington county, 
this state, October 16th, 1822. He came from there to 
Portland in 1839. He was elected a justice of the peace in 

1 849. Mr. Moss was for many years a merchant, and now is 
a member of the firm of Moss, Haight & Dmiham, bankers at 
Brocton. 

Town Clerks. — Town clerks of the town of Chautauqua, 
county of Genesee: 1805, James Montgomery: 1806, James 
Montgomery ; 1 807, John S. Bellows. 

Of the town of Chautauqua and county of Chautauqua : 
1808, John Scott: 1809, John Scott: 1810, Lazarus Caiy: 
1811, Lazarus Cary ; 1812, John F. Cary: 1813, George McG. 
Ogle. 

Of the ancient town of Portland: 1814, Asa Hall; 1815. 
Amos Atwater. 

Of the second town of Portland : 1816, Jabez Hulburt : 
1x17, Fenn Deming ; 1818, Fenn Deming ; 1819 to 1828. 
David Eaton. 

Of the present town of Portland : 1829-32, David Eaton, 
1833-34, Timothy Judson ; 1835-43, John II. Coney ; 1844-45, 
Asa Andrews; 1846-48. John R. Coney; 1849, Asa Audi'ews : 

1850, Orlando Daily; 1851, Caleb Griswold : 1852, Asa 
Andi-ews; 1853-56, Ralph D. Fuller; 1857, Wm. L. Minton ; 
1858, H. J. Dean ; 1850, Isaac Shattuck ; 1860, R. D. Fuller: 
1861, Isaac Shattuck; 1862-63, J. A. H. Skinner; 1864-65. 
Isaac Shattuck; 1866, Thomas Rolph ; 1867, T. K. Bambrick. 
1868, G. W. Marsh ; 1869, H. S. Woods ; 1870-73, T. C. Wilson. 

'Justices of the Peace — Were appointed by the governoi- 
and council of appointments until 1823, after which they 
were appointed by the board of supeiwisors and judges of 
the county until 1826, when they were made elective by 
the people at the annual elections. The time of their 
election was changed in 1829 to the time of holding town 
meetings, the first Tuesday in April. In 1839 the time of 
holding the town meetings was changed to the first 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 241 

Tuesday in March; and again to the third Tuesday in 
February in 1852. 

Those appointed for the old town of Chautauqua county of 
Genesee, were, in 180.5, Perry G. Ellsworth, David Kinkade and 
Peter Kane; 1806, Perry G. Ellsworth, David Eason, and 
•John McMahan : 1807 no appointments. 

For the town of Chautauqua, county of Niag'ara : 1808. 
John McMahan and Matthew Preudergast. 

For the town of Portland from 1813 to 1823: 1813, 
Jabez Hulbiwt; 1814, Guy Webster; 1815, Calvin Barnes; 
181G, Calvin Barnes; 1818, Fenn Deming, T. B. Campbell; 
1821, Fenn Deming, John House, Parsons Taylor, Lemon 
Averill, Henry Mumford, Ahira Hall. 

The whole number ap[)ointed for the territory of the 
county up to 1823 was fifty-fom". 

The writer searched diligently for a record of those appointed 
by the judge and board of supervisors from 1823 to 1826 for 
the town of Portland, but was able to iind but two, Henry 
Mumford and Fenn Demmg, whose appointment bears date 
February 19th, 1823. There are doubtless others, but then- 
appointments are not now to be foxmd. 

The first election of justices by the people was on the 
5th of November, 1827; election at the house of Moses 
Sage. This feature in elections was a novelty, and the vote 
is given as a matter of curiosity. Thirteen candidates were 
voted for. Elisha Ai'nold received 345 votes; Ahira Hall. 
198; Wm. Dunn, 185; Harvey Newcomb, 179; David Mann. 
172; Walter Mumford, 137; Samuel Hall, 119; G. W. Fowle. 
39 ; David Eaton 1 ; Oliver Lee, 1 ; Parsons Taylor, 1 : 
Lyman Redington. 1 ; John Mc\Vhorter, 1 . 

The first foiu- named were declared elected, and classified 
as follows : Elisha Aiuold held for 4 years : Harvey New- 
comb for 3 years ; Wm. Dunn for 2 years, and Ahira Hall for 
1 year. In 1828 Ahira Hall was I'eelected by a vote of 242, 
against G. W. Fowle, 45 votes. 

The first election of justices for the present town of Poii- 



242 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



land was held on the second of November, 1829 and the 
two following days. Foui- candidates were voted for although 
))ut two were to be elected. David Eaton received 166 
votes : Ebenezer Harris 1 43 ; Parsons Taylor 83, and Walter 
Mumford 57 votes. David Eaton and Ebenezer Harris were 
declared elected, and classified as follows : David Eaton to 
hold for fom- years, and E. Harris for one year. The fol- 
lowing is a list of those since elected. : 

1830, Ebenezer Harris ; 1831, Elisha Arnold ; 1832, James 
Aldrich ; 1833, Asa Andi-ews; 1834, Ebenezer Harris ; Timothy 
Jiidson, vac. ; 1835, Samuel Hall; 1836, T. Judson; 1837, Z. 
L. Goodsell ; 1838, Ebenezer Harris ; 1 839, Landais Lathrop : 
184U, Z. L. Goodsell; 1841, Wm. Clark; 1842, Ebenezer Har- 
ris; 1843, James Thompson ; 1844, Asa Andrews; 1845, T. 
Judson ; 1846, Z. L. Goodsell ; 1 847, George Wells ; 1848, 
Ebenezer Harris; 1849, T. S. Moss; 1850, J. S. West, Amos 
Barton, vac.; 1851, T. Judson, and vac; 1852, Thomas Judd; 
1853, T. S. Moss ; 1854, Amos Barton ; 1855, T. Judson; 1856, 
J. S. West, and vac; 1857, T. S. Moss; 1858, Isaac Shattuck ; 
1859, V. S. Ladue: 1860, J. L. Hatch; 1861, Rufus Haywood; 
1862, Isaac Shattuck; 1863, U. S. Ladue; 1864, Edwin 
Elmore; 1865, Thomas Flanders; 1866, J. G.Weld, and vac; 
1867, Amos Barton; 1868, Edwin Elmore, U. S. Ladue, vac; 
1869, Alfi-ed Eaton; 1870, H. S. Woods; 1871, J. A. H. Skin- 
ner ; 1872, Edwin Elmore ; 1 873, U. S. Ladue. 

Assessors. — Assessors have always been elective by the 
people, and for one year <mly, until 1846 when they were 
elected for three yeai's, one being elected each year, and 
confined to three in number. Those elected for the old 
town of Chautauqua, at the fu'st town meeting, 1805, were 
James McMahan, Benj J^arrett, Wm. Alexander. The first 
elected for the second town of Chautauqua, in 1808, were 
David Eason, Alan son Weed, Wm. Alexander. 

The first elected for the original town of Portland, in 
1814, were Oliver Stetson, Jonathan Cass, David Eaton. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



243 



The first elected for tlie second town of Portland, in 1816, 
were Elijah Fay, Reuben Slayton, Jonathan Harmon. 

The first elected in the present town of Portland, in 
1829, were Ebenezer Harris, Parsons Taylor, Hii-am Fish. 

The first elected in 1 846, and classified, were as follows : 
Hiram Fish to hold for one year : Daniel Webster for two 
years, and M. P Vangaasbeek for three years. 

Com?nissioners of Highvmys. — As in the case of assessors, 
commissioners were elected but for a single year, until 
the act of May lOth, 1845, when they were elected for 
three years, and classified, one being ele.cted eacli yeai' 
thereafter. 

The fij'st elected for the old town of Chautauqua in 1805' 
were Thomas McClintock, James Dunn, Ai'thur Bell. 

The first elected for the second town of Chautauqua in 
1808, were Alexander Cochran, Abijah Bennett, Matthew 
Frendergast. 

The fii'st elected for the old town of Portland, in 1814, 
were John Post, Wm. Bell, and James Parker. 

The first elected for the second town of Portland, in 1816, 
were Jonathan Cass, Nathaniel Fay, David Eaton. 

The first elected for the present town of Portland in 1829, 
were John T. Mclntyre, John R. Coney, M. P Vangaasl^eek. 

In 1866, luider act of December l4th, 1847, the town 
voted to dispense with a board, and elect but a single com- 
missioner, yearly ; and the first elected imder this arrange- 
ment was Erastiis Deuison. 

Collectors — Have always been elected yearly. The first 
elected for the old town of Portland in 1814, was Samuel 
Dickson. 

The first elected for the second towoi oi Portland in 
1816 was David B. Granger. 

The first elected for the present town in 1829 was Asa 
Andrews. 

Inspectors of Elections. — The justices of the jDcace with 
tlie town clerk of each town presided at general elections. 



244 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES Or 

as at town meetings, until 1843, since whieh inspectors 
have been chosen by the people at their town meetings, 
three being necessary ; two only upon the same ticket, the 
highest upon an opposing ticket usually being appointed 
by the board. 

The first elected in town, in 1 843, were Ebenezer Harris 
and WaiTen Couch : Zalmon L. Goodsell, appointed. 

Common School Comm.lssioner. — By act of June 19, 1812- 
this office was created, three being necessary to constitute a 
board, and. were elected yearly. \_See Schools.'] 

The first elected for the old town of Portland (in 1814) were 
Robert Dickson, Jabez Hulburt, David Eaton. 

The first elected, fijr the second town of Poitland (m 1816) 
were James Parker, Reuben Slayton, Ethan A. Fay. 

The first elected for the present town (in 1820) were Aliira 
Hall, Lemon Averill, "Walter Mumford. 

By act of 1843 this office was abolished and that of town 
superintendent created. David Eaton was appointed to the 
office by the towni board until the next town election, in 1 844, 
when Joseph Correll was elected and held the position fiar five 
years in succession. This office was in turn abolished by act 
of April 12, 1856, and that of school commissioner created. 
\_See Schools.] 

Inspectors of Common Schools. — This office was created by 
the same act as that of commissioners of schools and was 
abolished at the same time, 1843. 

Those first elected for the old town of Portland (in 1814) were 
Elijah Hayden. Amos Atwater, James Parker. 

Those first elected for the second town of Portland (in 1816) 
were David Eaton, Nathaniel Bird and Peter Kane. 

Those first elected for the present town of Portland (in 1 829) 
were Daniel Ingalls, Timothy Judson, David Eaton. 

Constables. — The first elected for the old toAvn of Chautau 
qua (in 1805) was John Lyons. 

The first elected for the second town of Chautauqua (in 



TFIK TOWN OK POBTI.AKI). 245 

1808) were Daniel Cornwell, Hiigh AMiiteside, Alaiison Weed. 

Those first elected for the old town of Portland were Samuel 
Dickson, Asa Hall. 

For the second town of Portland, in 1816, David B. Granger. 

Those first elected for the present towTi of Portland (in 
1829) were Asa Andrews, Oliver Coney. 

Overseers of the Poor. — The first overseers elected for the 
old towTi of Cliautauqua (in 1 805) were Zattu Gushing. 
Abraham Frederick. IMi". Gushing declined and Orsaraus 
Holmes was apj)ointed to fill the vacancy. 

Those first elected for the second town of Chautauqua (in 
1808) were Thomas Prendergast. Abijah Bennett. 

Those first elected for the old town of Portland (in 1814) 
were James Montgomery, John Brewer. 

Those first elected for the second toMTi of Portland (in 1816) 
were Low Minegar, John House. 

Those first elected for the present town of Portland (in 
1 829) were Gephas Brainard, Elijah Fay. 

In the records of town meeting of 1 8 1 2 is the following : 
'• Sun being down, adjoui'ned till the next morning, 6 o'clock. 
Xext morning met agreeable to adjournment and proceeded to 
business." 



246 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XLI. 

War of 1812— Declaration of War— Call for Troops— The Response by the Coimty 
and by the Town of Portland— The March to Buffalo and Lewiston— Battle of 
QueenstowTi — Chautauqua Kegiment Engaged. 

It is not designed to give an account of the causes of the 
war of 1812. They long since passed into history and are 
famihar to the most casual student. The particular scenes 
in which the Chautauqua men were engaged will alone receive 
attention. The war was formally declared June 18, 1812. At 
that time the population of the whole county was not above 
2,900, and that of the present town ol Portland, composed of 
thirty-eight families, was not above two hundi-ed and fifty. 
These thirty-eight families were located principally along and 
near the south and Erie roads and the now town line road between 
Portland and Westfield. On account of their scattered and 
defenseless condition in the wilderness, the news of a declara- 
tion of war was more than usually depressing, and during its 
continuance they were subjected to numerous alarms that were 
harrassing in the extreme. It is j^robable that an actual 
invasion of tlie towoi would have produced no more of a 
disturbance in the minds of the settlers than the continued 
reports of the approach of the British and Indians, the burning 
of houses and tlie flight or massacre of the inmates ; yet in no 
section of the lilnion had the spirit of patriotism a deeper root. 
A very few condemned the war, but the large body of 
the settlers responded with promptness and enthusiasm to 
the calls made upon them. "Early in June, 1812, Col, 
John McMahan received an order fi'om Gov. Tomj)kins 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 247 

to detach from his regiment a full company to consist of 
one captain, one lieutenant, one ensign, four sergeants, 
four corporals, one drummer, one fifer and one hundi'ed 
privates. Col. McMahan immediately issued orders calling 
the officers of the regiment together at Dunn's tavern in 
the present town of Portland, on farm now owned by John 
Dudley, and after an addi'ess read the order he had received 
and expressed a hope that the Avhole number could be obtained 
vnthout resorting to a draft. On calling for volunteers, 
Capt. Jehial Moore, of Forestville, Lieutenant David Eaton, of 
Portland, and Ensign Charles Biuritt, of Canadaway, now 
Fredonia, offered themselves. Orders were then issued for 
one battalion to meet at Mayville and the other at Canadaway 
to ' beat up ' for vohmteers. Capt. Jehial Moore and Ensign 
Burritt were to attend the meeting at Canadaway and Lieut. 
Eaton the meeting at Mayville. On the day of the meeting 
patriotic speeches were made by the colonel and others present, 
and on ' beating up ' for volunteers the whole number assigned 
to each battalion tmned out. The members of this companj^ 
wei-e to hold themselves in readiness to march at a 
moment's warning and to serve six months. Within a few 
days news was received that the 1 8 th of that month congress 
had declared war against Great Britain. Scarcely had the 
minds of the settlers become familiar with this fact ere an order 
was received by Capt. Moore to collect his company and march 
to Lewiston and join the 18th regiment of New York detached 
militia, commanded by Col. Hugh W. Dobbin, of Geneva. Xon 
commissioned officers were despatched to warn the men to 
assemble, those from the western part of the count}^ at the 
cross roads, now Westfield, and those from the eastern part at 
Canadaway, on the 4th of July. Those from the west part assem 
bled as per orders and the same day marched to Canadaway 
and joined those assembled there, and on callmg the roll it was 
found that every man was present, — 113 in all, — able-bodied 
men. The next day the company commenced tlieir march and 
arrived at Lewiston on the 9th and joined the regiment." — 



248 HISTOBICAL SKETCHES OF 

[^Eaton.'] Those from the present town of Portland who 
served in this company were Davici Eaton, John IngersoU, 
Hiram Burch, Erastus and Jared Taylor. 

Great delay was experienced in collecting, equipping and 
drilHng the army of the center and it was not imtil the 13th of 
October that the commander decided to make a descent upon 
C/anada. The time was jjerhaps somewhat anticipated by the 
fact that the troops after remaining idle for three months, 
became impatient of further delay and demanded to be led 
against the enemy : many of them threatened to return home 
unless their wishes were complied with. This enthusiasm was 
the result of the capture by the Americans, under Lieut. 
Elliott of the U. S. Navy, of two British brigs from Detroit, 
laden with furs and militaj-y stores that liad arrived on the 8th 
of October and anchored under the protection of the guns of Fort 
Erie. After their capture they were run aground for want of 
sufficient wind to bear them against the current of the river 
and enable them to escape. One of them was burned : most 
of the lading, however, was secured. •' But this was not the 
order of veterans well acquainted with the dangers to be 
encountered, and despising them; it was the inconsiderate 
rashness of inexperienced men ready to anticipate the proper 
moment but not possessing tlie firmness to persevere when 
surroimded by unaccustomed terrors. After a conference with 
generals Smyth and Hall, General VanRensselaer resolved to 
make an attack on the heights -of Queenstown. From the 
informaticm he C(3uld collect the enemy's force had been chiefly 
drawn off for the defense of Maiden, as it Avas sui^posed, luider 
the command of general Brock, \vh(j had left the territory of 
Michigan under the direction of general Proctor, until he could 
organize a force to return. Could this place be possessed by 
our troops they would be sheltered from the apj^roaching 
inclemency of the season and the operations of the western 
army much facilitated. But of tlie sanguinary' conflict ui^ori 
the heights of Queenstown on the 1 3th of October, its successes 
and reverses, it is not proposed to speak. All these are 



TIIK TOWN OK l'ORTI,ANr>. 249 

familiar to the student of history. Had the whole American 
army conducted themselves as heroically as those who crossed 
the river the result might have been different : as it was, those 
engaged 'covered themselves with glory,' while 1,200 men 
under arms on the American side refused to cross and remained 
idle spectators of the scene. Their ardor had become suddenly 
cooled from witnessing the scenes on the other side. Every 
officer who crossed the river, it is said, distinguished himself, 
and all did their duty nobly. The Americans lost 60 killed 
and 700 prisoners. The greater part of the prisoners were 
taken to Montreal, except the militia who were [)aroled the 
next day. Previous to the attack the question of the power of 
the government to send state troops beyond the bounds of the 
state was largely discussed and the ojiinion seemed to prevail 
that such power did not exist, and a few planted themselves 
upon this as a constitutional jJiivHege and intimated a refusal 
to cross the river if an attack shoidd be decided upon. Recog- 
nizing this construction as correct, or at least acting upon it as 
such, in preparing for carrying out the attack uj)on Queens- 
toAvn the officers relied solely on voluntary aid on the part of 
the militia. Volunteers were called for and the 18th New York 
detached militia, to which the Chautauqua company belonged, 
was paraded by Major Morrison (Col. JJobbin being absent), 
who proceeded to make a flaming, patriotic addi'ess, in which he 
sought to inspire them with enthusiasm and zeal and expressed 
the hope that the whole regiment would volunteer foi' the 
enterprise and show their devotion to their country and theii' 
willingness to defend its honor ; that they would not falter in 
the hoiu" of danger but be true to the princij^les of patriotism 
t hat should and did inspire every loyal heart. He did not ask 
them to jeopard their lives unnecessarily, but hoped they would 
be willing to go as far as he would go and he would ask them 
to go no further. "All those willing to volunteer in the 
enterprise against the enemy on the opposite side of the river 
were requested to advance eight paces, and with the exception 
of 50 to 60 the whole regiment advanced and formed a new 



250 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

line. Those who refused to advance were formed into a 
company under a lieiitenant, one of their number, and called 
the " coward company." The Chautauqua company, as far as 
is now known, all volmiteered and were among the first troops 
embarked and the first to land on the other side of the river. 
The five from Portland in that company, it is but just to say, 
did their duty nobly and acquitted themselves like men as they 
were. It is not beheved the others did less. On landing upon 
the Canadian shore and while halting for a moment under the 
bank, the enquiry went quickly aroiuid, "Where is Major 
Morrison f " Who has seen Major Moi-rison ?" The redoubt- 
able major was not to be found and was not seen on the west 
side of the river that day. His patriotism very suddenly ran 
out at the moment of embarkation, and he kept at a safe 
distance. But the cowardly lieutenant who had been left in 
command of the " coward company" seeing the peril of his 
countrymen upon the other side, seized a musket, passed over 
and fought like a hero through the fight to its close." [Eaton] 
The company of Capt. jMoore were noted for their bravery and 
daring and in common Avith all engaged did all that men 
could do under the circumstances, and only yielded to superior 
numbers. Lieut. Eaton was wounded by a ball through his 
Aviist about ten in the forenoon and was ordered from the field 
by Capt. Moore ; the wound proving severe, he was not able 
to retiuii. 

Erastus Taylor 'vas woimded in the last effort of the 
Americans before the surrender, by a ball striking his leg below 
the knee, breaking and shattering the bone in a shocking 
manner. He was taken prisoner and placed in an old building 
for two or three days, after which, with other wounded 
prisoners, he was conveyed to the hospital at Lewiston. He 
remained here until some time the next winter when his father 
conveyed him to his home in Chenango county, a distance of 
two hmidred miles, in an open sleigh. He was not able to walk 
upon the fractured limb for three years, but finally recovered 
and returned to Portland in 1816. 



THE TOVVTSf OF PORTLAND. 251 

Jared Taylor, brother of Erastiis, and John Ingersoll were 
not wounded but taken , prisoners and paroled the next day. 
Nothing is now known with reference to Hiram Burch, but 
the presuraj)tion is that he was taken prisoner and paroled 

Soon after the declaration of war the people of the county 
were greatly exercised with reference to their exposed and 
defenseless condition and a want of arms by the militia for 
self defense. After a good deal of discussion and a full consid- 
eration of the matter in a public meeting held for the piu'pose, 
Robert Dixon of the now town of Ripley, was sent by the 
people to Albany to procure anus. Mr. Dixon was successfid 
in his eiFort, and in September of that year two hundred stands 
of arms were forwarded from the state arsenal at Canandaigua 
to this county 

Directly after the battle of QueenstoNvn a second requisition 
was made tor a company fi'om this county, which was promptly 
met, but it does not appear that any from Portland were 
members of it. Tliis was for the purpose of filling up the 
ranks of the army upon the Niagara fi-ontier, prej)aratory to 
another attempt at an invasion of Canada under Brig. Gen. 
Smyth of the regular army, who had been placed in command 
after the resignation of Gen. VanRensselaer on account of his 
wo\mds. "Gen. Smyth had issued, on taking command, a 
flaming addi'ess to the ' men of New York,' appealing to their 
patriotism, calHng on them to retrieve the late disaster and at 
the same time by this step secirre their wives and children from 
tlie predatory and murderous inciu'sions of the savages. This 
address was backed by an animated proclamation from General 
Porter of the New York militia, and a force was collected at 
Buffalo, organized, armed and equipped and deemed sufficient 
for the enterprise." But after two or three ineffectual 
attempts (in November) to carry out the plan, Gen. Smyth 
ordered the abandonment of the effort for the season, and the 
troops made arrangements to go into -winter quarters. There 
seemed no good reason wliy this last attempt, on the 30th of 
November, should not have succeeded. "The wliole body of 



252 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OE 

tlie troops, with the exception of two hundred men, were 
embarked at four o'clock, the men conducting themselves witli 
great order and obedience and affording every hope of success. 
Nothing seemed Manting but the word to move when the order 
came for debarkation." " One universal expression of indig- 
nation burst forth : the greater i)art of the militia threw down 
their arms and retuiTied to their homes, and those who 
remained continually threatened the life of the general. Some 
recrimination passed between General Smyth and General 
Porter, the latter charging the former with cowardice and 
unoificerlike conduct." 

Nothing further was done toward the invasion of Canada 
during the fall and winter or until the latter portion of the next 
year, at least little in which the Chautauqua troops were 
interested. The contest seemed to be one for posts. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 253 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

War of 1812 continued — Oi)erations on the Niagara Frontier from the taking of 
Ft. George to the burning of Buffalo. 

On the 27tli of May 1813, Ft. George on the Canadian 
side of the Niagara, one mile above its mouth, was taken 
by the Americans, but they were not allowed to remain 
in possession many months, the fortunes of war placing 
not only Ft. George but Ft. Niagara in the possession of the 
British. Gen. McClirre had been placed in command of 
Ft. George, and in December following, for no good reason 
set lire to the village of Newark, situated at the entrance 
of Niagara river, and reduced it to ashes. Two days after, 
liearing of the approach of British troops, he abandoned 
the fort and retired to the American side of the river. 
The act of burning the village of Newark was promptly 
disavowed and regretted by the government, but not sat- 
isfied with this the enemy commenced a system of burning 
and destruction of property and life disgraceful in the 
extreme. On the 19th of the same month, December, Ft. 
Niagara was surprised and taken, and the garrison nearly 
tliree hundred, and mostly invalids, put to the sword. 
This was quickly followed by the biu-ning of the villages 
of ^^")ungstown. Lewiston, Manchester, and the Indian village 
of Tuscarora. Very many of the inhabitants of these 
pla(tes were inhumanly butchered Tlie enemy continued 
the march up the river until they reached a point opposite 
Black Rock on the ;iOth. Theii' force consisted of one 



254 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

tlioiisand five hundred regulars and four liimdred Indians. 
In anticipation of some such movement on the part of 
the Britisli a call had been made early in December for 
the militia to tui'n out to repel any attack that might be 
made. "The Chautauqua militia were called out en masse 
to rendezvous at the cross roads, now Westfield, and march 
to Buffalo under the command of Col. John McMahan." 

The call was promptly obeyed even at that inclement 
season of the year, "without being provided with blankets, 
knapsacks, tents, rations, camp equipage or transportation to 
render them comfortable. The families of many of these 
soldiers were left at home without a male adult, or any one 
but females and childi'en to cut tlie firewood or browse 
the cattle. It should be borne in mind that the comity 
was then almost an entire wilderness, witliout any surplus 
of provisions, and very little forage for the cattle, except 
browse. The men on their march to Buffalo, and while 
there, suffered much from cold and hunger." 

The Chautauqua regiment was the I62d, "and numbered 
about four hundred effective men, about two hundred of 
whom responded to the call of the commander-in-chief. 
There were four companies raider the command of Col. 
John INIcMahaii and Majors Wm. Prendergast and Isaac 
Barnes." On arriving at Buffalo "they were quartered in 
log huts a little to the eastward of the village. The militia 
force assembled at that point including those from this 
county, amounted to about two thousand men, under the 
command of Gen. Hall." Those in the regiment of Col. 
McMahan fi"om the present town of Portland were David 
Eaton, Elisha Fay, Nathaniel Fay, Ezra Joy, Moses Joy, 
Calvin Barnes, Wm. Dunn, Andrew Kelsey, Hollis Fay, 
Sanford Haines, Huram Haines ; the last as a substitute foi 
Elijah Fay. 

On the night of the 30th of December, between 1 1 and 
12 o'clock the American camj) was alarmed by the receipt 
of intelligence that the enemy were crossing Niagara river 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 255 

at Black Eock. A portion of the militia from the comities 
of Niagara, Genesee and Ontario, was immediately marched 
down to oppose their landing. The main body of the 
British had effected a landing at the mouth of Conjockity 
Creek, a mile or more below the ferry. Efforts were made 
to prevent their progress, though with but partial success. 
The militia who had proceeded to the ground, not in a 
body but in detached parties, wei-e easily routed by the 
disci])lined troops of the enemy and driven back as fast 
as they arrived at the scene of action. 

The skirmishing between the hostile forces continued 
during the greater part of the night, the firing of which 
was distinctly heard at Buffalo where the Chautauqua 
regiment had remained under arms, paraded in ft-ont of 
Pomeroy's tavern, as a reserve. About fom- o'clock on the 
morning of the 31st, Col. McMahan's regiment was marched 
to Black Rock, posted opposite the ferry, in the rear of 
the battery that had been erected at that point." A 
good degree of enthusiasm existed amongst the Chau- 
tauqua troops, but a slight incident occurring w^hile on the 
march from Buffalo to Black Rock seemed to very mate- 
rially dampen theii" ardor. Gen. Hall had been to the Mock 
through the early morning directing the movements of the 
troops as far as he was able, but was retui'ning with his 
staff to Buffalo as the Chautauqua regiment was on its way 
to the scene of action. The regiment was halted and the 
General and Col. McMahan in an undertone held a hm-ried 
consultation, which of course was not imderstood by the 
men ; but on leaving the General said, sufficiently loud to 
be heard by the whole regiment, "Colonel, do youi- duty, 
but if you must retreat, the rendezvous is at Miller's." This 
was said in a tone that evidenced to the men that the 
contest was hopeless. Their enthusiasm went out at once, 
and they moved on mechanically rather than with zeal 
and ardor. 

"Soon after daylight, six or seven boats, containing each 

33 



256 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

fifty or sixty men, were seen to pnt off from the Canadian 
shore with the evident intention of landing. A firing was 
kept up by the batteries at the ferry, and was retiu-ned 
from the opposite shore. One of the enemy's boats was 
struck by a cannon shot from the American side, and sunk 
witli its hostile freight. About the break of day the Chau- 
tauqua regiment was ordered to advance in the direction 
of the enemy. They proceeded do^vn the river, nearly half 
a mile, and met them in force, near the residence of Gen. Por- 
ter. A sharp, though unequal contest ensued, when the militia 
broke and fled, as those who had preceded tliem had done. 
During the engagement, a part of the British force had 
passed up under the bank of the river, and taken post in the 
road leading from Buffalo to the ferry, with a view of cutting 
off the militia in their retreat. Escape tlirough the avenue 
by which they had arrived, being thus prevented, and 
pressed as they were by the advance of the enemy, they 
ATere compelled to take to the woods in the rear of tlie 
terry for safety, through which many of the American 
force, inc]uding a portion of the Chautauqua regiment, fled 
precipitately ; and such of them as escaped the rifle and 
tomahawk of the savages, who innnediately filled the woods 
in pursuit, reached the main road at Buffalo, and at various 
points for several miles to the eastward in the direction 
of Batavia. The largest portion of the whole force returned 
to their homes, among whom were the principal part of the 
Chautauqua militia. The remainder who had sui'vived, were 
afterwards quartered for several weeks at Miller's tavern, 
about two miles east of Buffalo. Toward noon of the 31st 
the British set fire to Buffalo and finally recrossed the 
river to Canada, the second or third day after that 
event." 

"The loss to this county was severe in proportion to the 
numbers engaged. James Brackett, a lawyer fi'om the village 
of Mayville, was killed and scalped by the Indians, during 
the retreat from Black Rock. Joseph Frank, from Busti, 



TIIK TOWN OK PORTLAND. 257 

Win. Smiley from Ellery, • Pease and Lewis from 

Fomfi-et, Nash Bover, aud Hubbard shared the same 

fate. Maj. Prendergast had several balls shot through 
his hat and clothes, and narrowly escaped with liis life. 
Capt. Silsby was severely woimded, and Lieut. Forbes had 
one killed and five woiuided, of the twenty-one men under 
his command. Of the killed, the bodies of those which 
were found were buried in a common grave, near the road 
leading from Bufialo to Black Rock, into which eighty-nine 
were promiscuously tin-own. They were afterward disin- 
terred and many of them claimed by their relatives and 
taken away to be buried near the homes they had laid down 
their lives to protect ; that their afflicted families might 
weep over their prematiire graves, and protect them fr-ou) 
desecration." 

"The bodies of several others, who had been killed on 
their retreat through the woods, and scalped ))y the Indians, 
were found during the winter and sj^ring and committed 
to the earth. 

The only buildings remaining in Bufialo, were the jail, 
which was built of stone, a small frame uouse, and an armorer's 
shop. All the houses and almost every building between 
Bufialo and Niagara Falls were destroyed, as were also many 
of those on the Batavia road, for several miles beyond 
Bufialo." 

"At this period the fr-ontier presented a scene of des- 
olation rarely witnessed. The inhabitants who had escaj)ed 
the tomahaAvk, fled into the interior, in the depth of winter 
■vA-ithout shelter oi- means of support, and subsisted on 
the charity of friends. The panic was general, and per- 
vaded this county, though in, a degree somewhat less than 
in the section of country in the immediate vicinity of the 
point of attack." — [Wakren.] Poiiland was no exception to 
the general rule in this respect. The reports reaching the 
settlements were of course greatty exaggerated, and the 
imagination lent new terrors, until the whole town was one 



258 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

continued scene of excitement. The horror of Indian mas- 
sacre, so vividly painted to the mind and impressed by the 
events of the last two or three days, was the worst of all. 
Mr. O. W. Burch, then a youth, li\dng with his father on the 
town line road between Portland and Westfield, thus writes 
of it, and this will serve as a sample of the distress in town : 
"I recollect an incident in January 1814, a day or two after 
Buffalo was burned. Our militia and some from our neigh- 
borhood had gone to Black Rock to face the enemy, when 
we were very much frightened by the report of a messenger 
that Buffalo was burnt, and our militia were all shot or 
taken prisoners, and that the British and Indians were 
marching west and destroying people and property, all that 
came in their way. As may well be supposed, in our thinly 
settled country, there was a sensation. Old Mr. Haynes and 
his son Huram were in the war, and the remamder of the 
Ha}Ties family left their home and joined our family, and 
there we all were, laying plans how to do in case of neces- 
sity. Some said 'go to the mountains' as the hills were called, 
but where were the teams to go with? Reports were con- 
flicting, and there was but little sleep or rest for two days- 
On the third day about nine o'clock at night we were all up 
and wide awake as usual, old Mr. Haynes came to our door 
and called for admittance, and he was welcomed as he never 
had been before. After the salutations the inquiry was hur- 
riedly made for Huram. The panic was ({uieted. The pres- 
ence of the old man was like oil iipon the troubled waters. 
As it proved, but comparatively few of the Chautauqua men 
were hm-t. There was a tremendous letting down of the 
feverish excitement of the last few days." 

The volunteers fi'om Portland were in the company of Capt. 
Ozias Hart. Calvin l^arnes was woiuided by a ball through 
the knee joint, the ball entering tlu'ough the patella, or laiee- 
pan, and emerging posteriorly, rendering him a cripple for life. 
The rest escaped unhurt. 

In June, 1814, a company from this county volunteered under 



i 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 259 

the command of Capt. John Silsby for one month's service and 
served in Canada. Da\dd B. Granger, as titer, was the only 
member of the company from the present town of Portland. 
This company participated in the taking of fort Erie, nearly 
opposite Black Rock, by the Americans nnder generals Scott 
and Ripley, on the 3d of July ; the battle of Chippeway on the 
morning of the 5th of July, and the battle of Lundy's Lane on 
the evening of the 2oth. After the battle of Lundy's Lane the 
Americans fell back to fort Erie, which, on the fourth of the next 
month, (August) was besieged by the British 5,000 strong 
under General Drummond. In July two full comjoanies of the 
164th, or Chautauqua regiment, had been called for to assist in 
defending the fi'ontier, as it was feared that another descent 
would be made by the enemy fi'om Canada. The call was 
promptly answered and the troops were marched to Black 
Rock under command of Col. John McMahan. Those fi'om 
Portland who served in this campaign were David Eaton, 
regimental paymaster, and Wm. Ingersoll, ensign. These 
troops were in no engagement diuing the whole campaign, 
although cannonading fi"om Black Rock and fi'om the Canadian 
shore of the liver was continually engaged in. Very little 
damage was done. Occasionally, however, between the 4th of 
August and the 1 7th of September a company was conveyed 
across to fort Erie to assist in the preparations for the defense 
of that point, but none of the Chautauqua troops were present 
at the attempt of the enemy to storm the fort on the 1 5th day 
of August, or at the sortie from the fort on the 17th of 
September. The 385 prisoners taken at this sortie by the 
Americans were placed under the care of Col. John jMcMahan 
of the Chautauqua regiment and marched to some point in the 
vicinity of Albany. There being no military necessity for 
fui'ther holding the fort, in November it was abandoned and 
destroyed and the American trooj)s crossed the river and went 
into winter quarters at Black Rock, Buffalo and Batavia- 
During the whole season, from the arrival of the ChaTitauqua 
troops on the Niagara fiontier to the November following. 



260 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

when they i-eturned, they were subject to much suffering from 
sickness, being stationed a few miles below Black Kock in a 
low malarious district well calculated to engender ague and 
fever, from which many of the men suffered and many others 
after their return home. The duties of camp life, surrounded 
by imknown and unseen dangers, were performed with as much 
of cheerfulness as could be expected under the circumstances, 
and they with patience kept " watch and ward '' over the great 
avenue by which the British and their "northern hordes" in an 
luiguarded hour might rush with fire and sword and the 
barbarities of frontier warfare upon their defenseless families 
and firesides, until the danger had passed away. 

" Several incursions were made by the British at different 
points in this county, doing, however, but little else than alarm 
the inhabitants, lose their men by desertion and meet with a 
warm reception by the settlers. Chadwick's Bay, now Diuikirk, 
was visited by a British armed vessel of ten or twelve guns for 
the purpose of landing some property that had been plundered 
from Lay's tavern, long known as a house of entertainment 
near the lake shore between (^attaraugus creek and Buffalo. 
A boat manned for the purpose and carrying a flag of truce was 
sent ashore to effect the object of their visit. Directly upon 
landing, twelve of the boat's crew, relishing Britisli gold with 
the restraints and dangers of a warfare against freedom less 
than their prospects of success m a country which offered them 
in exchange the novelties of a fertile soil and salubrious 
climate with a degree of personal liberty to which they were 
wholly unaccustomed, bade their commander adieu and " quit 
the service." The officer in charge of the expedition was left 
with a single sailor (a Frenchman) to aid his retuin to his vessel. 
While they were parleying with the citizens resident at the 
place the neighboring militia, whom a notice of the arrival had 
attracted to the • spot, not observing the flag of truce but 
having their attention principally directed t<i the red coats of 
the officer and his remaining sailor, fii-ed upon them and broke 
the leg of the latter. Tliis abrupt salutation terminated the 



THE TOWN OF PORTI.ANl). 261 

interview, and the officer, failing to obtain assistance from the 
people to row his boat back to the vessel, picked iij) his 
maimed Frenchman and made the best of his way on board." 
— \^Warreti.'] This occurred some time m 1813. 

"Some time in 1814 a British armed schooner carrying- 
eight or ten gmis came into the mouth of Canadaway creek in 
pursuit of some smaller ci aft laden with salt that were on their 
way up the lake from Bufi'alo." (At that time the mouth of 
the creek for fr-om 60 to 80 rods was sufficiently broad and 
deep to float boats of several tons burthen.) "A boat with a 
<letacliment of men wr.s sent ashore fr-om the schooner to capture 
tlie salt boats. At the aj)proacli of the armed vessel the 
neighboring- militia hastily assembled and gave their visitors a 
reception quite too warm to make their stay agreeable and they 
picked up their wounded companions and fled withont having 
accomplished their object." — \^Warre7i.^ 

It is not i)robable that any attempt was made to invade any 
portion of the territory now included in the tovvn of Portland, 
but the settlers fiJly sympathized with other sections less 
fortunate and willingly shared the hardships and privations 
incident, to a defense of our extended frontier and oui- common 
country. The news of a treaty of peace between the United 
States and Great Britain, which had been concluded and signed 
at Ghent, in Flanders, Europe, on the 24th of December of 
this year (1814) was received with demonstrations of joy and 
as the harbinger of better days and of a lengthened prosperity. 
The great objects of the war were fitlly gained. We had 
learned wisdom paid our national character had become 
established. Sectional bickerings were in a great measiu-e 
forgotten and factions ignored in the great effort iov common 
weal. 

The news of peace brought repose to the scattered population 
of Portland as to all the frontier towns and counties. Althougli 
not the scene of armed strife and murderous conflicts, Chau- 
tauqua count}' " sliared largely in the benefits whicli resulted 
from a cessation of hostilities. Prosi^erity such as the county 



262 HISTORICAL SKETCHKS OK 

had never known immediately succeeded. During the war not 
only had emigration ceased but many who had removed hither, 
selected lands and commenced improvements with a view to a 
permanent residence, abandoned them altogether upon the 
commencement of hostilities and the approach of danger and 
returned to the more populous and, as was thouglit, secure 
portions of the state. 

At the return of peace the current of population set strongly 
to the fertile region of Western New York, which has since, 
through the enterprise of its citizens, become the garden of the 
state. The rapidity of its growth has been xmexampled, and 
its fame abroad for the patriotism and integrity of its popula- 
tion, the richness and variety of its productions and the 
salubrity of its climate have kept pace with its growth." 

For many years Portland, in common with the other lake 
shore towns, 'shai-ed more largely in the influx of population 
and general improvement than some other sections, and the 
various improvements, conveniences and accessories of civilized 
life found a place with the settlers with unexampled raj)idity. 
The wonderful advantages of a fi'ee government were largely 
manifest in an incredible short space of time in a rapid rebound, 
a characteristic of American energy, fi'om the depressing 
influence of the war to a prosperity seldom witnessed with 
respect to the intelligence of the population, their moral and 
religious growth and their rapid advancement to the enjoy- 
ment of the blessings of a well earned competency. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



263 



CHAt>TER XLIV. 

War of 1861— First call for Troops — Second call — The response in Portland— Men 
enlisted in town during the year 1861 — 9th N. Y. Cavalry— Their Services — 
Services of the 72d, 49th and 100th Regiments. 

It is not designed to enter into a detail of the causes 
of the war of 1861 or particularize with reference to its 
conduct or results; all these are yet fresh in the minds 
of the people, and are passing into history : but the inves- 
tigation will be confined to the part the town ot Portland 
enacted in this carnival of blood. Whatever else may be 
said of the town its patriotism cannot be called in ques- 
tion. In this fearful conflict it poui'ed out its blood like 
water, and handed forth its treasui'e with a lavish hand. 
The first call for troops was issued by President Lincoln, 
April 15th, 1861, the next day after the suiTender of Fort 
Sumpter. This first call was for seventy-five thousand men 
for three months for the immediate defense of the seat of 
government, and to aid in subduing insun-ectionary com- 
binations. Few at first responded. The people had lived 
so long under the conditions of peace, that the call to the 
conditions of war was answered but hesitatingly. The public 
mind had yet to be educated to such a state of things. On 
the third of May, twenty days after the first, a second call 
was made, for forty-two thousand for three j'ears, and 
besides this ten regiments to be enlisted for the regular 
anny. In response to these two calls Portland fmnished 
eighty men. Henry B. Taylor, son of the writer, was the 
first in town to respond. He at once joined the 68th 



264 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

regiment at Fredonia, which proposed to move en masse, 
but being im])atient of delay, soon left for Jamestown, 
and enlisted in Co. B. 3d Regiment, Excelsior Brigade, 
Capt. James M. Brown, May 28th, 1861. Chautauqua 
county furnished for this regiment, afterward called the 
7 2d N. Y., five companies ; the to\vn of Portland furnishing 
thirteen men, though not all for the same company, as 
follows: For Co. B., H. B. Taylor, Edmund Barbei- ; For 
Co. G., (Capt. Harmon C. Bhss), Melvin Himt, Frank Lilly, 
Daniel E. Arnold, Walter Bowdish, Thomas B. Culver, Peter 
Kinnish ; For Co. D., (Capt. Wm. O. Stevens), Redmund Riley, 
.ilphonso Taylor, Theron D. Walden ; for Co. E. (Capt. P. Bar- 
rett,) John Barry, Ovette Biut. Newell G. Burr enlisted 
in Co. D., 21st Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer Infantry, May 8th, 
1861, for two years. Charles Grannis enUsted in the 44th 
Regiment, N. Y. Infantry, or ''EllsAvorth Zouaves ;" a regiment 
designed to be enlisted from the whole state, each town fur" 
nishing one mau luitil the regiment was full. Warren Couch 
enlisted in the Otli Regiment, U. S. Cavalry, Co. G., August 
13th. 

In the fall of 1861 the 49th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteer 
Infantry, was enlisted, the county furnishing four companies, 
and the town of Portland three men as follows : Jaraes A. 
Hall, Regimental Surgeon ; Walter Burch, John Linburgli. 

In the fall of the same year and early winter, the 100th 
Regiment N. Y. Volunteers was enlisted; this county fui'- 
nishing one company, and Portland nine men as follows: 
Jack Davis, Dan Jonas, Frank Peterson, Gilbert Potter, 
George Shaver, Andrew Winters, William Whitney, Andrew 
Anderson and Wm. Bradley. The command of this Regi 
ment was given to Capt. James M. Brown of Co. B., 72d 
Regiment N. Y Volunteers ; lie finally fell at the battle 
of Fair Oaks, Virginia, May 31st 1862, deeply lamented. 

In August and September of the same year, a volunteer 
ravah'v company was enlisted in this and adjoining towns. 
Very little effort was made to this end, but in an incredibly 



TlIK TOWN OK l'Oin'l,ANI>. 265 

short space of time, or by the 25th of the latter month, 
forty-six men were enHsted from this town alone, and the 
balance from other towns. It seemed to be a spontaneous 
movement on the part of the young men and the youngerly 
married men. Those enlisting fi'om this town were, W. A. 
A.dams, Elisha V. Arnold, Edwui Blinn, John Batchelder, 
Walter Bowman, Alvah L. Billings, Chester Bradley, Frank 
C. Bullock, M. G. Barber, Lewis IT. Bailey, John W. Bullock, 
Frank C'. Brown, Charles K. Crosby, Wolcott Colt, Henry Colt, 
W. H. Daniels, Wm. A. Douglass, ^^ares G. Farnham, Albert 
A. Fay. Jehial M. Grant, Halsey ¥. Hakes, Mark Hamlin, 
Oriin I). Iladden, Biruey Hull, J. C. HijDwell, John Johnson, 
H. Wm. Mason, M. W. Bailey, Samuel Mills, John C. Martin. 
Frank C. Nichols, James Z. Ogden, Lewis M. Ogden, David 
H. liandall, W. H. Kolph, II. C. Rolph, M. M. Hansom, Geo. 
W. Rolph, Thomas K. Titus, Charles B. W^illiams, Nelson H. 
Whitney, Joseph G. Weld, Silas S. Williams, Charles H. WU 
liams, Edwin W^right, John Y. Yoxmg. 

The company elected Josej^h G. Weld captain and W. A. 
Adams 1st lieutenant. It was made a part of the 9th N. Y. 
Vol. cavalry, and with the regiment went into camp at West- 
field. The regiment was mustered into the United States 
service on the 2d of October and left for active duty the fore 
part of November. A dinner and reception was given the 
members of the company from town by the ladies and citizens 
the day before they left camp for the seat of war. This part 
of the company was composed m the main of the better 
material in town, and large expectations were entertained 
with reference to the service it woidd be able to perform in the 
field in aid of the cause of human lights, and these expectations 
were realized. They were in constant sei-vice fi-om the time 
they were equipped until they were finally mustered out. 
They participated in the second Bull Rim conflict, in August. 
1 862 ; the disastrous battle of Chancellorsville, Va., the first of 
May. 1863 ; the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., the first three days 
of July, 1863 ; the battles of the Wilderness under Gen. Grant, 



266 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

in May, 1864 ; the stirring scenes of the Shenandoah Valley, 
under Phihp H. Sheridan, in October of the same year ; in 
fact most of the conflicts in which the Ai-my of the Potomac 
was engaged up to the surrender of Gen. Lee on the 9th of 
April, 1865, except the battle of Antietam. 

The 3d Excelsior, or 72d, and the 49th did no less efi&cient 
sei-vice. They were with McClellan on the peninsula during 
the seven days' fight and never faltered in the discharge of 
duty and fully sustained their reputation to the moment of 
discharge. Few, however, of the original members were left at 
that period. The 21st and 44th N. Y. and the 11 1th Pa., in which 
some fi'om town had enlisted, were as devoted to their country's 
cause and as fearless in the discharge of duty. The lOOth 
N. Y. did efficient service in many a conflict and nobly 
sustained itself in that fearful battle of Fair Oaks, or Seven 
Piues, May 31, 1862, in which fell its gallant commander. Col. 
James M. Bro^vu, and many of the best and most intrepid of 
its members. Of the regiment of regular cavalry to which a 
single member from our town, Warren Couch, belonged, the 
writer knows nothing definitely, or of the service performed. 
All the men thus far named enlisted for three years or during 
the war except those of the 21st and 100th regiments, whose 
term of seiwice was but two years. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 267 



CHAPTEK XLV. 

War of 1861, continued — 1862 — The Gloomy OiJeuiug of the Campaign — The Call 
for 300,000 Men in July— The Call for a like number in August— Military 
Committee — Enlistments for the 112th Regiment — Enrollment for a Draft — The 
Second Call Filled by Volunteering — Names of both Given — Capt. J. B. Fay 
and ComiDany — Services of the 112th Regiment — Also the 154th 

" The summer of 1862 was a gloomy period in the history of 
the war for the suppression of the rebelHon. The disastrous 
issue of McClellan's advance towards Richmond, the wretched 
failure of Pope, the invasion of Maryland by the rebels under 
Lee, and the mistake of McClellan in not pressing the advan 
tage gained at Antietam so as effectually to cripple the 
insurgents, all had their depressing effect upon the public 
mind. But they had the effect also to reveal the desperate 
earnestness of the rebellion and the necessity of putting forth 
more gigantic efforts to crush it. The call of the president, 
for 300,000 vohuiteers for three years, soon followed by a call 
for a draft of 300,000 militia to serve nine months, electrified 
the whole land. It was now evident that the government was 
thoroughly awake to the magnitude of the crisis. Would the 
])eople respond to this call ? The answer from every state was 
cheering. Chautauqua county had honored every previous 
call and fmmished ten full companies besides nearly the entire 
i-egiment of the 9th cavaliy. Now she was called upon for 
003 men, soon followed by a second call for an equal number, 
or one out of every sixty-four of her entire population." A 
military committee was formed of some of the best men of the 
county, to whom was delegated the general supervision of the 



268 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES OF 

county with reference to the raising of recruits. This 
committee consisted of A. F. Allen, G. W. Patterson, J. G. 
Hinckley, Milton Smith, John F. Phelps and Chas. Kennedy. 
At a meeting of this committee on the 12th of July it was 
resolved to raise six full companies fi'om this county for a new 
regiment, the four remaining companies to be raised b}' 
Cattaraugus county. This was accomi:)lished by the 22d of 
August and each company tilled. At a meeting of the committee 
August 14 it was resolved to raise four more companies to 
answer the call of that month for drafted men, and the quota 
assigned to Portland under the two calls was sixty-one. The 
quota under the call of July was 39, but the town ha^dng 
furnished already seventeen beyond its full quota but twenty- 
two were required to answer the call. The work of recruiting 
was entered upon with vigor, and by the 31st of August the 
requisite number for the town was obtained — twenty for the 
112th or Chautauqua regiment and two as recniits for the 9th 
N. Y. cavaliy. Fifteen of the enlistments for the 112th 
regiment were by Capt. Phineas Stevens, as follows : Wm. A. 
Judson. Alfi-ed O. Ellis, Thomas S. Rolph, John M. Wood, 
AugustiTS Blood, Frank C. Birllock, Daniel L. Cumniings, Wm. 
R. Laine, Charles Pecor, Hai-vey Potter, John R. Rolph, John 
O. Warner, Daniel L. BuiToughs, Eleazar Swetland and John 
E. White. Three were enlisted by Capt Frank Waters of 
Westfield, viz.: Peter Lawson, Wm. F. Only, Douglass Only. 
Two w^ere enlisted by Capt. W. H. Chaddock of Fredonia. viz.: 
Wm. Chamberlain and John King Post. Capt. Stevens 
company was mustered in as Co. "G" ; Capt. Waters' company 
as Co. "E"; Capt. Chaddock's as Co. "B", ll2th regiment 
N. Y. voluntee]" infantry. Of the above men John E. AMiite 
was enlisted under the call for drafted men made in August. 
Eleazar Swetland and Daniel L. Biuroughs were transferred in 
September to the 154th regiment, the former to Co. "E " and 
the latter to Co. "B. " Before the close of August these men 
with their companies were in camj) at Jamestown, this county 
The camp had been named Camp Broion, in honor of the 



THE TOWN OF PORTLA^^^D. 269 

lamented Col. James M. BroAvii of the lOOth N. Y. regiment, 
who had been killed at the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., on the 
31st of the preceding May. The 112tli left camp for the seat 
of wai* on the 11th of September. The record of the 112th is 
a fearful yet honorable one. It participated in the battle of 
Blackwater, Va., Nov. 17, 1862, and in the defense of Suffolk, 
Va., when besieged by Longstreet. They were sent to Folly 
Island, outside the harbor of Charleston, S. C, the 3d of August. 
1863 ; fi'om there to Jacksonville, Florida, in February, 1864, 
and returned to Virginia in the following spring. They were 
engaged in the battle of Proctor's Creek, the battle of Cold 
Harbor, the storming of New Market Heights, the assault on 
fort Gilmore, the battle of DarbytoAvn road, the taking of fort 
Fisher, the siege of Richmond, Va., and a large inimber of 
engagements of minor importance. No regiment fought more 
heroically to sustain the identity of the Union and the honor of 
the old flag. 

No bounties were paid those enlisting from town the first 
year of the war, or up to July 1, 1862, but under this call the 
men were paid a bounty of $35 each, raised by subscription in 
part as follows : Wm. Barnhart, $20 •. R. D. Fuller, $20 ; 
Clark Walker, $5 ; Lucy Correll, $1 ; Samuel Arnold, $5 : M. 
P. Vanleuven, $3 ; Samuel Caldwell, $5 ; George Freeman, $5 ; 
Samuel Gracy, $1 ; David Granger, $2 ; Careorge T. Brown, $3 ; 
Hay Bentley, $1 ; Wm. S. Wood, $2 : G. B. Cattell, $5 ; 
Addison Barringer, $5 : Geo. Churchill, $2 : C. W. GuHck: $2 ; 
M. S. Cook, $1 ; John S. Hill, $10 ; Asa Blood, $10 ; Alfred B. 
Mosher, $3 ; Minerva Chiu-chill,.$l : Eleazar Swetland, $1 ; 
Sanford Swetland, $1 ; Fred. Nichols, $1 : Oscar Taylor, $2 : 
S. M. Noxon, $5 ; J. S. Coon, $15 ; Mrs. M. Leach, $3 ; W. T. 
Nichols, $5 ; G. M. Taylor, $5 ;: Samuel Brown, $2 ; Isaac 
Shattuck, $20 ; J. J. Barber, $5 ; R. C. Blood, $5 ; Martin 
Taylor, $2 : D. H. Randall, $2 ; John Spi-ingsted, $2 ; J. E. 
Harris, $5 ; J. H. Webster, $5 ; David McGregor, $5 : M. 
Francis, $5 : J. C. Haight, $5 ; Chandler Colt, $5 : Charles 
LaBarr, $5; Isaac Howe, $3: Oliver Whitney, $1 ; Franklin 



270 HISTORICAI. SKETCHES OF 

Fay, $50 ; Lincoln Fay, $25 ; Charles Taylor, $10 ; Timothy 
Judson, $10 ; J. H. Minton, $10 ; Wm. Haight, $1 ; V. G. 
Farnham, $5 ; Milton Kelley, $2 : Loyd Burr, $5 ; Waldo 
Brown, $5 ; Wm. Thayer, $5 ; Erwin Kelley, $3 ; W. Pi-att. 
$5 : Kufus Haywood, $50 ; H. C. Taylor, $10 ; Stephen May. 
$5 ; Asahel Peck, $10 ; J. B. Fay, $10 ; P. Bigler, $2 ; Hiram 
Bui-ton, $5 ; C. Barker, $5 : Linns Bm-ton, $5 ; J. N. Porter, 
$5 ; Lemi Barber, $5. $669 was raised, bnt the 7>aper contain- 
ing the balance was lost. 

This was in response to a resolntion passed by a meeting of 
citizens held early in July. The committee having the matter 
in charge were Rufvis Haywood, T. Jndson, J. H. Minton, R. 
D. Fuller, Heniy Barnhart, Warren Conch, Alfred Eaton, J. 
B. Fay. 

Voluntary enlistment was bnt a slow process to fill the ranks 
of the army, and as before stated a draft for 300,000 men for 
nine months was ordered. The idea of conscription was one 
particularly disagreeable to American fi'eemen and it was 
resolved to fill this call also by voluntary enlistment. Thirty 
nine men were needed. At a meeting of citizens it was resolved 
to pay a boimty of $100 to each volunteer, the money to be 
raised by tax upon the taxable property of the town, to be 
collected when other taxes were collected and trust to the 
legislature to legalize the act at its meeting in the following 
January. Such an act was j)assed on the 21st of February, 
1864. To procure the money for immediate use a note was 
drawn, payable at the West field hank, for $4,200, which at this 
and a subsequent meeting was signed by 81 citizens and the 
money obtained. By the 31st of August the quota was filled, 
the last two being credited fi'om the to"mi of Stockton. Thirty- 
five of these men became members of Co. "E," 154th regiment 
N. Y. volunteer infantry — Capt. J. B. Fay. The balance of the 
company was enlisted fi'om the towns of Westfield and Ripley. 
Energetic measures were resorted to. The people were 
desperately in earnest and many of the best citizens of the 
town enlisted for three years or duiing the war rather than 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 271 

tuidure the odium supposed to attach to a drafted freoman. 

That portion of tlie company enlisted in town numbered 33 

men, as follows : Joseph B. J^^ay, John Wilson, Clinton L 

Barnhart, Charles O. Fnvman. Hiram L. Skinner, Andiew 

Hollister, Earl Z. Bacon, Geo. S wetland, Newell Biirch, -Jameg: 

B. Haywood, Justus Cross, David T. Taylor, W. J. Osterhaut. 

Mervin P. Barber. Wm. H. Reynolds. Stephen E. Greene, Elias 

B. Skone, Charles Anderson, Theodore F. Hall. Blackman B. 

Fitch, Geo. H. Richardson. Oscar M. Taylor. Wm. P. llaight. 

Elial W. Skinner. Reuben R. Oy-den. I. Milton Slawson. Elisha 

. . . * 

B. Walden, Thomas K. Bambrick. A. A. Williams, Perry 

Chapman, DaAdd S. Connally, Ira F. Burroughs, Robert Page. 

The two from Stockton credited to Portland were F. W. 

Denison and Christian A. Fandt. John E. White was enlisted 

under this call but was attached to Co. "G," 112tli regiment. 

•Josepli Cook enlisted in the navy at Erie, Pa. Myron F. 

Hamlm and Wm. H. Tallman were enlisted but were attached 

to Co. " D," Dtli N. Y. cavalry, volunteers. Eleazar Swetland 

was transferred from Co. " G, ' 112th regiment, t<> Co. "'E," 

(Capt. J. B. Viij) 154th regiment, and Daniel Burroughs to Co. 

•B," same regiment. This company was mustered in as Co. 

• E " early in September, 1H62. and proceeded to the seat of 

war on the 2r)th of the same month. It participated in many 

bloody conflicts, and among them ChancellorsAdlle. \'a., and 

(Tcttysbm-g, Pa. It was afterward sent south, and was a 

portion of the army of Gen. Sherman in his memorable march 

from Tennessee to the sea coast. It participated in the battle 

of Lookout Valley, Tennessee, October 29, 1803 ; of Lookout 

Moimtain and Mission Ridge, Tenn., November 23, 24 and 25. 

1863 ; of Rocky-faced Ridge, Georgia, May 8, 1-64: ; of Resaca. 
Georgia, May 15, 1864 ; Dallas, Georgia, May 25, 26, 27, 28 
and 20, lJ-64 : Pine Knob, Georgia. June 15, 1864 ; Kenesaw, 
Georgia, June 28, 1864 ; Peach Tree Creek, Georgia. July 20, 

1864 ; the investment of Atlanta, Georgia, from July '2'2 to 
September 2, 1864. They retmned from Savannah to Virginia 
through Georgia and the Carolinas witli the army of Sherman 



272 insTORiCAL sketches of 

on its victorious march north from the 15th of January. 1865, 
to the 30th of the following Mai-ch. The record of the 154th 
is no less brilliant than that of the 112th. 



THE TOVrS OK PORTLAND. 273 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

War of 1861 continued— Draft of 1863— The Enrollmeut— Names of those drafted- 
Names of those commuting — Names of those furnishing substitutes — Names of 
those otherwise excused — Money raised — Re-enlistments, &c. 

The operations of the aniiy for the year 1862 were not 
encouraging. To recruit the army which had become feai- 
fuUy depleted the thii-ty-seventh Congress, on the 3d of 
March 1863, passed an act "for the enrollment of the national 
forces." This act provided for the enrollment b}^ Federal 
Provost Marshals and enrolling officers, of all able-bodied 
male citizens, (not white only) including aliens who had 
declared their intentions to become natui'alized, between 
the ages of eighteen and forty-five — those between twenty 
and thirty-live to cqjistitute the first class ; all others the 
second class — from which the President was authorized, 
fi'om and after July 1, to make drafts at his discretion of 
persons to sei-ve in the national armies, for not more than 
three years ; any one drafted and not leporting for sei"vice 
to be considered and treated as a deserter. A commutation 
of $300 was to be received in lieu of such service ; and 
there were exemptions provided of heads of executive 
departments ; Federal Judges ; Governors of States ; the 
only son of a widow, or of an aged and infirm father, 
dependent on that son's labor for support; tlie father of 
dependent motherless children under twelve years of age, 
or the only adult brother of such children being orphans; 
or the residue of a family which has ah'eadv two members 



274 HISTOBICAL SKETCHES OF 

in the sendee, &c., <&c." As before stated, it had been claimed 
by the government that vohinteering furnished material for 
the army too slowly, that the ranks mnst be tilled at a 
more rapid rate if the rebellion was ever to be crushed, 
and a conscription was the only means by which the object 
sought could be <3btained. But in a certain sense it was a 
failure. Commutation money flowed into the coffers of tlie 
government, but men were not forthcoming. The idea of 
conscription was an odiinis one. The draft, however, was 
not in any way interfered with, very little attention was 
paid to it, — it was allowed to '"go through" with little 
concern, nearly every man finding in some feature of the 
act a way of escape if he slioiild be so imfortunate as to 
diaw a prize in this lotter}- for flesh and blood. The di-aft 
failed largely of tilling the quota, and further drafts were 
ordered, until the number of men, with commutations 
should reach the number required, but was delayed from 
time to time to allow towns to till the requirements by vol- 
vmtary enlistments if they chose, or could do so. Between 
that time and the fifth of January following, mostly in 
December iS63, the quota of Portland was filled by sub- 
stitutes obtained outside its limits, and the citizens 
relieved from immediate apprehension. All subsequent calls 
by the government for recriiits were tilled by enlistments 
outside the town, with biit two exceptions, imder a sys- 
tem ol bounties ofl:ered and paid by toAvn. 

Under the call in August, 1862, an enrollment of those 
supposed to be liable to draft, was made by the supervisor, 
H. V. Taylor, and O. W. Burch, T. S. Moss and Rufus Hay- 
wood, eonmaissioners appointed by the governor for the 
pui-pose, and the number foiind to be two hunth-<«i and 
fifty-six. From this enrollment, revised, the draft of 1863' 
was made. August 25th. The (h-awing took place at Dun- 
kirk, Isaac Shattuek Esq. amd A. J. Liyons attending in 
behalt of the town. The call was for three hundred thou- 
sand men. and the (piota for this toAvn was thii-ty-three. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 'J75 

Forty-seven names were ordered drawn, and if from that 
number the quota conld not be tilled, another drawing 
was to take place. The examinations were to take place 
in the order of drawing, and if the quota was tilled short 
of the forty-seven ordered drawn, those remaining were to 
be discharged. The following is a list of those drawn, with 
the age of each : 

Geo. W. Marsh, 22 ; J. A. H. Skinner, 29 ; Andrew J. Mericle, 
;34 ; Henry Martin, 30 : Allison N. Munson, 29 ; James Wood, 
2() ; George Couchman, 36 ; Chnrles H. Warner, 21 ; Henry 
E. Hill, 33 ; Thomas W. Baker, 23 ; Wm. A. Douglass — : 
Harmon Bashee, 29 ; Andrew P. Huster — ; Dennis Quinland — ; 
Thomas Cooper, 23 ; Geo. W. Stebbins, 35 ; Abel Skidmore, 
21; Will. Correll, 21 ; John Lawson, 35; Salmon Burton, 28 : 
Hemy Dobbins — ; Levi Hall, 33 ; Frank G. Arnold, 28 : 
Carlton O. Wilcox, 33 ; Edward Clements, 27 ; Wm. Breen, 25 : 
Richard Spicer, 33 ; C^hester W. Burton, 26 ; Walter Bui-ch, 
25; James Sturgis, 30; Leroy F. Churchill, 21 ; Gideon Low, 
23 ; Geo. R. Weaver, 29 ; Andrew J. Skinner, 33 ; Charles R. 
Crosby, 23 ; James L. F. Andrews, 2-i ; Geo. Fitch, 26 ; Wm. 
W. Billings, 35 ; Heury C. Rolph, 24 ; Wm. Dogan, 34 ; James 
H. Burroughs, 31 ; Alfred J. Bmton, 29 : (^eo. W. Goldsmith. 
43; Geo. M. Arnold, 29: Wm. Dederick, 22 : John Quayle, 31 : 
Marvin G. Tenant, 27. 

Of the above number, Wm. VV. Billings was the only oue that 
rejjorted for duty. The balance were reheved, and for 
causes specified, as follows : 

Chester W. Burton and Andrew J. Skinner, furnished stibsti- 
tutes : the former, James Kelley, and the latter John Casey. 

Geo. W. Mai'sh. James Wood, Charles H. Warren, Abel Skid- 
more, Levi Hall, P^'rank G. Arnold, Ricliard Spicer, Walter 
Burch, (jreo. R. Weaver. Alfred J. Burton and Wm. Dederick 
commuted by the payment of ii^300 each. 

Geo. Couchman and John Lawson, from over ag'e. 

Heni'v Martin and Wm. Breen. from being the only sons 
of widows. 



276 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Edward Clements and James H. Burroughs, from being 
the only sons ot aged and dependent parents. 

Salmon Burton, J. L. F. Andrews, Geo. Fitch and Geo. M. 
Arnold, on election by parent, or parents. 

Marvin G. Tenant, from diseased lungs. 

Geo. W. Goldsmith, father of motherless children under 
twelve years of age. 

Allison J. Munson and John Quayle, from tubercles in the 
lungs. 

Andrew J. Mericle, from bronchitis. 

Wm. Dogan and Thomas Cooper, aliens. 

J. A. H. Skinner, from anchylosis of left ankle joint. 

Henry E. Hill, loss of index finger of right hand. 

Thomas W. Baker, hernia. 

Wm. Correll, deficiency in height. 

Leroy F. Churchill, from deficiency of amplitude of tin- 
chest. 

Harmon Bashee, scrofula. 

Geo. W. Stebbins, loss of sight of one eye. 

Wm. Dobbin, fi'ostbitten feet. 

Carlton O. Wilcox, prolapsus ani. 

Wm. A. Douglass and James Stuigis, in service before 
March, 1863. 

Gideon Low, error in enrollment. 

Charles R. Crosby, chronic inflammation of kidneys. 

Henry C. Rolph, physical disability. 

Andrew P. Huster and Dennis Qiiinland, never reported and 
could not be found. 

Thus it will be seen that the government obtained but 
fourteen out of the forty-seven drawn, viz: three men and 
$3,300 fi'om eleven that commuted. As before stated the 
quota was eventually filled outside of town. — (See war 
expenses.) 

October 17th of this year, 1863, the fifth call of the presi- 
dent was made. Under this there were due from Port- 
land twenty -fom' men. xit a public meeting held Decembei- 



THE TOWN OF PORTI.AJfD. 277 

14th following, a "resolution was ofifered that the town 
raise $7,200 by tax to pay $300 to each of twenty-four volun- 
teers apportioned to the town under the last call of the 
president." An amendment was offered to exempt from 
tax those that had commuted by the payment of $300 under 
the di-aft of August 25th last, which was accepted. At a 
subsequent meeting on the 1 6th, the resolution as amended 
was adopted, ayes ninety-eight, noes sixty-five. 

In December 1863 and January 1864, fomteen veteran 
soldiers fi'om town whose tenn of service would expire 
in the following spring or summer, reenlisted under the 
assui-ance that $300 bounty would be paid each. They were 
credited on the next call, which was made Febniary 1st 
1864. In answer to a resolution by a meeting of citizens, a 
special town meeting was called, and held March 8, 1864, 
to decide by vote whether $4,200 should be raised by tax on 
the town to pay such soldiers reenlisting. The vote was 
as follows : tax, one hundred and forty-five ; opposed, eighty. 

No men seem to have been furnished under the call of 
March 14th, 1864, but the effort was merged in that of 
the next call, which was made July 18th, 1864, for five 
hundi'ed thousand men. Under this call there were due from 
the town twenty one men. A special town meeting was 
called, and held July 30th, at the office of I. Shattuck, Esq., 
to decide by vote whether the town would raise by tax suffi 
cient to relieve the citizens from the operations of a draft. 
The vote was as follows: tax, one huudied and forty-four, 
opposed sixty-five. 

December l9th the same year another call for men was made. 
The quota for Portland was seventeen. The question was again 
submitted to the citizens at a special town meeting at the house 
of S. C. Riley Januaiy 7th, 1865, whether a tax should be 
assessed upon the town sufficient to relieve the citizens fi'om 
the effects of a draft. The vote cast was two hundred and 
seventy-six. For tax, one hundi'ed and eighty-two, opposed, 
ninety-four; and the men obtained outside of town. 



278 HISTORIC A I. SKETCHES OF 

The men reenli sting, as stated above, were all from the 9th 
cavaliy, as follows : Chester Bradley, John P. Martin, Willard 
H. Daniels, Vares G. Farnham, Albert A. Fay, Wm. H. Rolph. 
Marcus M. Ransom, Nelson H. Whitney, Charles H. Williams, 
Edwin Wright, John M. \Yood, John W. Yonng, John Johnson, 
John ^Y. Bullock. 

CyiTis Benjamin enlisted January 4th, 1864, in the 15tli Reg- 
iment, N. Y. Infantry, and John D. Buell on February 24tli. 
1864, in Co. B., 112th Regiment. 

Abrahara and Charles Williams enlisted early in the war, 
but the writer has been unable to ascertain their company 
or regiment. 

Seven enlisted from Portland that were credited to other 
localities, as follows : Lysander B. Vanleuven, in the 6th Regi- 
ment, Wisconsin Infantry ; Levant M. Hakes, in the 104th 
N. Y. Volunteer Infantry ; Alfred G- Vanleuven, W^m. Correll, 
John D. Bentley and Ephraim K. Fellows, in the 111th Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Volunteers : Walter Quigiey in a Michigan 
regiment. 

Recap ihilation of Men tunmhed. — Portland fui'nished for 
the army and navy that were credited to the town 137 men, as 
follows : To the 3d Excelsior, or 72d regiment N. Y. volun 
teers, 13 ; to the 49th regiment, 3 ; to the 2 1st regiment, 1 : 
to the 44th regiment, 1 : to the regular aivmyj 1 ; to the lUOth 
regiment, 9: to the 9th cavalry, 49; to the 112th regiment. 
23; to the 154th regiment, 33; to the 15 thregiment, 1; to 
regiments not laiown, 2 ; to the navy, 1 man. Foiu- substi- 
tutes were fui'nished, fifty-seven enlisted from outside of town ; 
14 reenlisted, and 11 commuted imder the di'afV act of March 
3, 1863, making an equivalent in the aggregate of 223 men, 
which with those fr'om towTi enlisting outside of the state, will 
make a total of 230. 

It was found difficult under the calls of .July 18 and Decem- 
ber 1 9, 1864, to fill the quota at the price fixed by the people 
on the morning of the special town meeting, January 7. 1865. 
viz.: $300 for one year's men, $400 for two years' men and 



TllK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 279 

$500 for three years' men, and a number of citizens advanced 
the extra sums necessary (on an average $300) for tlu-ee years' 
men, and were relieved from the effect of any subsequent draft 
by having a substitute in the field. The number as now 
remembered was i 8, and the sum advanced was $5,400. Those 
remembered were as follows : Franklin Fay, W. Tui'k, Wm. 
Martin, A. W. Baker, Jonas H. Martin, David McGregor, G. 
L. Townsend, Norman Goodsell, Elisha Fay, J N. Plill, J. N. 
Porter, H. A. Burton, Salmon Burton 



280 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



CHAPTER XL VII. 

War of 1861 coutinued — Aid furuished Soldiers direct and through Hospitals, Sanitary 
and Christian Commissions. 

The most kindly feeling followed the citizen soldiery of 
Portland, and their wants in their perilous wanderings were 
carefully studied and often anticipated and supplied by private 
contributions, but more liberally through organizations adapted 
for such a mission. So intense the excitement and so great 
the interest pervading every heart with reference to the issue 
of the struggle and those engaged in it that every effort 
possible was put forth through the various associations and 
se^ving circles to furnish such aid and comforts for the sick, 
the wounded and dying as the exigencies of the case demanded. 
Nearly all the aid thus fui'nished to hospitals, sanitary or other 
commissions was through associations of ladie^ of which there 
were tliree in town : 1, the " Baptist Sewing Circle," 
Brocton, jVIrs. Norman Mason president. Miss Sarah Skinner 
secretary; 2, "'Soldiers' Aid Society of Portland." Mrs. Jason 
Webster jji-esident, Miss Vally M. Greene secretary ; 3, 
"Universalist Social," Mrs. J. B. Fay president, Mi's. Chester W. 
Burton secretary. Aid furnished by these societies and 
through them amounted on the first of July, 1863, to $4 14, 
principally as follows : To the Sanitary Commission, St, 
Louis, Mo., $100 ; to the Sanitary Commission, Buffalo, N. Y., 
$185 ; to the hospital department of the 9th cavalry, $59 ; to 
the hospital department of the T54th regiment, $60; to the 
hospital department 49th regiment, $10. After July 1, 1863, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 281 

to the close of the war still fui'ther contributions were made, 
in the aggregate amountmg to $250. Aid was furnished direct 
to the 9th cavalry, the 112th regiment, the lo4th regiment, 
the 49th and 7 2d, by fi-iends, to the amount of probably $200, 
making a total of $864. Most of the aid furnished by friends 
outside the organized channels \\^as for the comfort of soldiers 
during the severity of winter. 

The families of soldiers were not forgotten. At a meeting 
of citizens held at the Congregational chui'ch in September, 

1861, a •' Soldiers' Aid Society " was fonned by subscriptions 
to a joint stock arrangement, the stock to be taxed from time 
to time as should be necessary and the proceeds applied for 
the benefit of such soldiers' families as were in need. Ninety- 
five citizens subscribed to the capital stock in sums ranging 
from $5 to $oO, in the aggregate $1,632. But little aid was 
called for through this society, most of the families of soldiers 
being cared for by friends. It was a cumbersome arrangement 
and soon abandoned. The officers were Albert Haywood, 
president ; T. Judson, vice-president ; T. S. Moss, secretary ; 
I. Shattuck, treasurer. 

Expenditure'^ for the War. — The following very nearly 
approximates the facts with reference to the amount of money 
used by the town and by individuals for war purposes diu'ing 
the war of 1861 : Bounty to 112th volunteers and for 
other piu'poses, $669 (raised by subscription); to assist several 
of those drafted August 25, 1863, m paying their commuta- 
tions, probably $500 (raised by subscription) ; by the town in 

1862, $4,200 ; by the town in 1864, including the operations of 

1863, $29,188.66 ; by the town in 1865, $r.\900; interest paid 
on town bonds, $724.23 ; by town to families of soldiers, $198 ; 
amount paid by private enterprise to promote enlistments, 
$1,229 ; paid by individuals for substitutes and commutations, 
$12,300; aid fui-nished by societies of ladies, $864; aid 
furnished by '' Soldiers' Aid Society," $120; making a total of 
$62,892.89. The amount for 1864 was assessed ujjon the town 
and collected, but that for 1865 was. not assessed. To realize 



282 HISTORICAL sketches of 

the amounts necessary in advance of collections, the board of 
supervisors under the act of February 9, 1864, authorized the 
issuing of town bonds. For 1864 bonds were issued to the 
amount of $28,417,71, on interest at 7 per cent., payable 
January 1, 1865, the first issue bearing date August 27, 1864, 
and the last issue September 28, 1864. For 1865 the amount 
issued was $12,370.10, on interest at 7 per cent., payable 
January 1, 1866, the first issue bearing date January 13, 1865, 
and the last February 6, 1865. The state, by act of the 
legislatm-e dated February 24, 1865, assumed a certain propor- 
tion of the war debt of towns, and the bonds of Portland were 
exchanged for state bonds to the amount of $17,000 and $700 
in cash. At the close of the war a small amount of funds 
remained in the hands of the supervisor, which was appropriated 
for town purposes by the town board under special act of the 
legislatm-e dated March 30, 1866. 



THE TO\VK OF PORTLAND. 283 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

« 

War of 1861 contimiecl — Statistical History of Volunteers from Portland. 

Qth Regiment TJ. S. Army, Cavalry. — Warren Couch enlisted 
August 12, 1861, in Co. G; constantly on duty through his 
term of enlistment ; discharged August 12, 1864. 

3f? Regiment Excelsior Brigade, or 72f? Regiment N. Y. 
YoVs. — Henry B. Taylor enlisted May 25, 1861 ; discharged 
from Beaufort, S. C, in fall of 1863; enlisted in Co. B, 112th 
regiment N. Y. vol's, in March, 1864; August 17th following 
discharged to accept promotion as hospital steward in U. S. 
army ; discharged fi'om service in 1867. 

Edmund Barber euhsted August 3, 1861. No report. 

Melvin Hunt enlisted in Co. G, 72d regiment N. Y. vol's — 
Capt Bliss ; died at home of fever after being discharged. 

Frank Lilly. Nothing known of him. 

Redmond Riley enhsted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. W. 
O. Stevens ; sick of fever at camp Good Hope, Maryland, in 
summer of 1861 ; discharged from Clifton hospital, D. C, 
December 17, 1862. 

Alphonzo Taylor enlisted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. W 
O. Stevens ; sick at Yorktown, Va.; sent to Portsmouth 
Grove, R. I., in July, 1862, and discharged from there in the 
fall of that year. 

Theron D. Walden enlisted May 25, 1861, in Co. D— Capt. 
W. O. Stevens ; discharged from accidental wound in spring 
of 1862. 

Daniel E. Arnold enlisted June 20, 1861, in Co. G, 72d 



284 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

regiment N. Y. vol's ; wounded in arm at battle of Williams- 
burg May 5, 1862; taken to Mill Creek hospital. Fortress 
Monroe ; from there to David's Island, N. Y.; discharged fi'om 
there June 16, 1862. 

Walter Bowdish enlisted in Co. G — Capt. Bliss — in May, 
1861 ; severely wounded at battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 
1802 ; has not since been heard from ; supposed dead. 

John Barry enlisted in Co. E — Capt. l^arrett — in May, 1861 ; 
killed by cannon ball at the battle of Malvern Hill, Va., July 1. 
1862. 

Ovette BuiT enlisted May 16, 1861, in Qp. E, 72d regiment 
vol. infantry ; woimded August 27, 1862, at Bristo Station, Va.; 
returned to company in November following ; mustered out 
June 23, 1864. 

Thomas B. Culver enlisted in Co. G, 72d regiment N. Y. 
vol's — Capt. Bliss — August 3, 1861 ; wounded in ankle at 
battle of Williamsbufg May 5, 1862 ; discharged December 29, 
1862, for disability ; enlisted in Co. C, N. Y. N. guards 
68th regiment— Capt. Erie Hall— June 5, 1863, for 3(t days ; 
discharged at Elmira, N. Y., at close of term ; enlisted in Co. 
K, 17th regiment Illinois cavalry, vol. — Capt. E. P. Grosvenor 
— Dec. 12, 1863 ; discharged at Fort LeavenwortL, Kansas, 
December 22, 1 865, under general orders. 

Peter Kinnish enlisted in May, 1861, in Co. G, 72d regiment 
— Capt. Bliss ; promoted to corporal ; died in hospital. 

4:9th Ji^ginient JV. Y. Vol's. — James A. Hall enlisted in 
September, 1861, and was ajipointed regimental surgeon; 
soon after was promoted to brigade sm'geon, and eventually 
to surgeon-in-chief of the 6th corps. He served with distinc- 
tion through his term of enlistment. After the close of the 
war he was appointed New York state agent at Washington 
for the adjustment of soldiers' claims. He died at home, of 
fever contracted while in the service, April 8, 1 866. 

Walter Burch. — No report. 

John Linburgh — Enlisted Sej^tember, 1861. Sick and dis- 
charged before the close of his/term of enlistment. 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 285 

21st N". Y. Vol. Infantry. — Newell G. Burr — ^Enlisted in 
Co. D. for two years, May, Sth, 186 1 ; mustered out May 18th, 
1863. In spring of 1 864 enlisted in 22d regiment, N. Y. Cav- 
alry ; wounded at W Lite Oak, Virginia, March 31st, 1865 ; 
did not return to the regiment. 

44th iV". Y. Infantry. — Charles Grannis enlisted as a mem- 
ber from Portland; was promoted to Lieutenant, and on 
duty through the term of his enlistment. 

100th Regiment N. Y. Vols. — William Bradley enlisted at 
the formation of the regiment ; died from wounds received at 
battle of Fair Oaks, Virginia, at Mill Creek Hospital July Sth, 
1862. 

Jack Davis, Dan Jonas, Frank Peterson, Gilbert S. Potter, 
George Shaver, Andrew Winters, Wm. Whitney and Andrew 
Anderson, the remaining members from this town, the compiler 
knows so little of, with any certainty, that they are very reluct- 
antly passed by. 

9th N. Y. Vol. Cavalry. — Joseph G. Weld enlisted in Co. 
D. September 20th, 1861; commissioned Captain, October 3d, 
1861 ; taken prisoner at Brandy Station, Virginia, confined in 
Libby Prison seven months : paroled and exchanged ; did not 
return to Co.; discharged October 3d, 1864. 

W. A. Adams enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; commissioned 
1st Lieutenant, October 3d, 1861; resigned July 6th, 1862. 

Elisha V. Arnold enlisted November 9th, 1861, in Co. D ; 
promoted to 4th Sergeant, December 1st, 1861 ; sick at Regi- 
mental Hospital, Washington ; discharged under general 
orders in spring of 1862. 

Edwin Blinn enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted to 
Corporal ; detailed the last of his term, as clerk in the war 
department at Washington ; discharged Mai'ch 31st, 1865. 

John Batchelder enlisted Sej^tember 20th, 1861; discharged 
for disability, from rheumatic affections, November Sth, 1862. 

Walter Bowman enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted 
to Q. M. Sergeant in spring of 1862; discharged for disability in 
fall of 1862. 



286 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Alvah L. Billings enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; absent 
from company from spring of 1862 ; discharged in fall of 1862. 

Chester Bradley enlisted September 20th, 1861; reenlisted 
January 1st, 1864; June 1st, 1864 was appointed bugler for 
company ; discharged at Buffalo, July loth, 1865. 

Frank C. Bullock enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged 
in April 1862 for disabihty ; enlisted in Co. G II 2th regiment, 
N. Y. Volunteers, August 1 862 ; promoted Corporal November 
5th, 1862 ; sick of fever, on Folly Island, and died there August 
31st, 1863 ; buried on the island. 

Mahlon G. Barber enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged 
at Washington, D. C, June 9tli, 1862, for disability. 

Lewis H. Bailey enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; sick at Reg- 
imental Hospital, and discharged at Washington, on general 
orders, in June, 1862. 

John W. Bullock enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted 
in 1863; constantly on duty ; discharged July 28th, 1865. 

Frank C. Brown enlisted September 20th, 1861; promoted 
Sergearrt in 1862 ; promoted 2d Lieutenant in spring of 1864; 
during the season was promoted to 1st Lieutenant; in winter 
of 1864 was made Captain and served as such until near the 
close of the war when he was breveted Major. He was a 
gallant officer. 

M. W. Bailey enlisted September 20th, 1861, and discharged 
July 1 862, on account of unsound limb. 

Charles R. Crosby enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted 
Corporal, November 6th, 1861; promoted Sergeant June 24th, 
1862 ; discharged August 2d, 1862, fi'om disease of the kidneys. 

Wolcott Colt enlisted September 7th, 1861; in ranks but 
short time ; ward master in hospital at Washington, D. C; 
discharged tor disability, June 25th, 1862. 

Henry Colt enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; detached to do 
hospital duty ; sick three out of nine months ; discharged on 
accoruit of hemia, June 6th, 1862. 

Willard H. Daniels enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 287 

January, 1864; constantly on duty; dischai'ged July 28th, 
1865. 

Wm. A. Douglass enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; discharged 
for disability, February 9th, 1864. 

Vares G. Famham enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; wounded 
at battle of Hanover Crossing, May 27th, 864 ; promoted 
Corporal, May 26th, 1864 ; promoted to Sergeant, December 
6th, 1864 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant, May 16th, 1865 ; reen- 
listed December 26th, 1863; discharged July I7th, 1865. 

Albei-t A. Fay enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; woimded at 
battle of Deep Bottom, July 24th, 1864; reenlisted January 2d, 
1864; promoted Corporal in July 1864; discharged June 7th, 
1865. 

Jehial M. Grant enlisted September 20tli, 1861 ; appointed 
regimental saddler in 1 862 ; discharged for disability Novem- 
ber 1863. 

Halsey F. Hakes enlisted October 3d, 1861 ; died at Alex 
andria, D. C. July 10th, 1862, of tetanus, fi*om wounds fi'om 
the kick of a horse ; was buried in soldiers' bmial groimds, but 
after eight months was removed to Westlield and Portland 
Union Cemetery. 

Mark H. Hamlin, Bugler, enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; 
discharged in spiiug of 1862, on general orders by General 
McClellan. 

Orrin D. Hadden enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; was acting- 
Brigade Veterinary Surgeon ; discharged on general orders 
in 1862. 

Bimey Hull enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; discharged on 
account of fever, December 5th, 1862. 

Jacob C. Hipwell enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; sick with 
rheumatism and chronic diarrhea at Clifton Hospital, Wash 
ington, D. C. ; discharged September 12th, 1863. 

John Johnson enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; reenlisted 
December 27th, 1863; discharged July 28th, 1:?6 5 ; not long 
in the ranks ; appointed wagoner. 

H. Wm. Mason enlisted September 13th, 1861 ; jDromoted 

37 



28S HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

Sergeant, November 9th, 1861 ; promoted 1st Sergeant, Decem- 
ber 10th, 1861 ; sick in hospital June 1862 ; promoted 2d Lieu 
tenant in June 1862 ; detailed 3d officer in corps of obsei'va- 
tion in front of Gen. Sigel's army ; served as aid to Gen. 
Sigel in the battle of Raccoon Ford ; after battle of 2d 
Bull Run, detailed as acting Regimental Quartermaster and 
Commissaiy; promoted to 1st Lieutenant, November 10th, 
1862, and assigned to Co. G ; in the spring of 1863 detailed 
as aid to Gen. Buford and served dm-ing the spring campaign ; 
in company again imtil December ^Oth, 1863, when he was 
promoted to Captain and assigned to Co. I ; in Febniary 1865 
commissioned Major for gallantry on the field of battle. 

Samuel Mills enlisted October 1st, 1861 ; sick in hospital 
at '<^^ ashington, D. C, fi'om injury to knee before enlisting ; 

discharged September 12th, 1863. 

John P. Martin enlisted September 20th, 1861; promoted 
to Sergeant; wounded near Wliite Post, Clark Co., Virginia, 
August llth, 1864, and died the next day, aged 25; buried 
there. 

Frank C. Nichols enlisted September 20th, 1861; discharged 
in the spring of 1862, for disability. 

James Z. Ogden enlisted October 1st, 1861 ; absent fi'om 
company and regiment after June 20th, 1 862. 

Lewis M. Ogden enlisted September 20th, 1861 ; promoted 
sergt. Dec. 1, 1861 ; sick of fever July 18th, 1862 and sent to 
Mansion House Hospital; discharged October 31 st, 1862. 

David H. Randall enlisted September 20, 1861 ; sick in 
hospital at Washington, D. C, and discharged on general 
orders in Jmie, 1862. 

Wm. H. Rolph enlisted in the 4th Pa. infantry for three 
months, under first call of the president ; served the term and 
on September 11 following enlisted in the 9th N. Y. cavalry ; 
promoted to sergeant, then to orderly sergeant, and in 1 864 
to 2d lieutenant and placed in command of Co. D ; soon after 
promoted to 1st lieutenant and so continued in command of 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



289 



the company to the close of the service ; reenlisted in Decern 
ber, 1863 ; mustered out Jrdy 28, 1865. 

Henry C. Rolph enlisted September 11, 1861; sick in 
Chesapeake hospital, near Foi'tress Monroe ; discharged June 
10, 1862. 

George W. Rolph enlisted September 1 1 , 1 861 ; sick in 
hospital at Washington ; discharged in April, 1862, under 
general orders. 

Miles M. Ranson enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to 
sergeant November 6, 1861; reenlisted December 31, ]863; 
wounded in head in battle of the Wilderness, Va., occasioning 
loss of right eye ; transferred to veteran reserve corps August 
1, 1S64 ; discharged July 20, 1865. 

Thomas K. Titus enlisted October 1, 1861 ; absent from 
company and regiment after July 1, 1862. 

Charles B. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted 
to corporal ; was constantly on duty and discharged in 
September, i 864. 

Nelson H. \Vhitney enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted 
to corporal January 2, 1 865 ; reenlisted in January, 1 864 ; 
discharged July 17, 1865. 

Silas S. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; discharged 
on general orders June 10, 1862, 

Charles H. Williams enlisted September 20, 1861 ; reenlisted 

in January, 1864; wounded at « 1865; sent to 

Carver hospital, D. C; died there fi'om his woimds July 5, 
1865. 

Edwin Wright enlisted September 20, 1861 ; promoted to 
corporal October 2, 1861 ; promoted to sergeant June 25, 1862 ; 
reenlisted January 2, 1864 ; appointed sergeant same date ; 
promoted to sergeant major December 18, 1!S64 ; promoted to 
2d lieutenant May 28, 1865, and assigned to Co. H ; mustered 
out July 17, 1865. 

John Y. Young enlisted September 20, 1861 ; reenlisted in 
January, 1864 ; constantly on duty ; discharged July 2s, 1865. 



290 HISTORICAX SKETCHES OF 

Wm. H. Tallman enlisted August 25, 1 862 ; dischai-ged 
March 24, 1864, for disabHity. 

Myron F. Hamlin (bugler) enlisted July 22, 1862 ; discharged 
in 1863. 

112th Regiment N. Y. Vols. — (Much of the statistical 
histoiy of this regiment is taken from the history of the 
regiment by ChapHn W. L. Hyde.) 

Augustus Blood enlisted August 9, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal March 5, 1 863 ; in ranks from November 23, 1 864 ; 
clerk at judge advocate's office from March 29, 1864, to May 1, 
1864; at brigade headquarters fi'om May 1, 1864, to October 
18, 1864 ; in ambulance corps from last date to muster out 
June 13, 1 865. 

Daniel L. Burroughs enlisted August 22, 1862 ; transferred 
to Co. B, 154th regiment N. Y. vols, at camp Brown, James- 
town, in September, 1862. 

Frank C. Bullock (refer to 9th cavahy) enlisted in 11 2th 
in August, 1 862 ; sick on Folly Island ; died there Aiigust 31, 
1863. 

Daniel L. Cummings enlisted August 9, 1862 ; sick and 
absent from company fi'om July 30, 1863, to June, 1864 ; 
promoted to corporal October 12, 1864, and to sergeant March 
5, 1865. 

Alfred O. Ellis enlisted August 12, 1862 ; promoted 
sergeant March 18, 1863 ; promoted to color sergeant Nov. 1, 
1863 ; to 1st lieutenant of Co. D January 4, 1865 ; in com- 
mand of Co B fi'om Febniary 28, 1 865 ; constantly on duty. 

Wm. A. Judson enlisted August 6, 1 862, as sergeant ; 
promoted to commissary sergeant January 31, 1864; constantly 
on duty. 

Wm. R Laine, son of Rev. L. F. Laine, enlisted August 9, 
1862; killed in action at Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; 
buried there. 

Charles Pecor enlisted Aiigust 9, 1862 ; taken piisouer at 
Cold Harbor, Va., June 1, 1864; confined in Andersonville 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 291 

prison, Georgia; released in March, 1865; discharged June 
24, 1865. 

Harvey Potter enlisted August 12, 1862; sick at camp 
Suffolk, Va., of fever ; died November 4, 1862 ; buried there. 

John R. Rolph enhsted August 12, 1862, from the company 
on fm-lough fi'om June 21, 1863, to July 29, 1863 ; in pioneer 
corps 2d division, 10th army corps, fi-om January 1 3, 1865, to 
close of war. 

Thomas S. Rolph enlisted August 12, 1862; promoted to 
corporal in 1862 ; wounded in hip at battle Cold Harbor, Va., 
June 1 , 1864 ; did not return to company ; discharged June 
18, 1865. 

Eleazar Swetland enlisted August 12, 1862 ; transferred to 
Co. E, 1 54th regiment N Y. vol's, at camp Brown, Jamestown, 
in September, 1862 ; sick and died at Lookout Valley, Tenn., 
and buried in cemetery at Chattanooga. 

John M. Wood enlisted August ll, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal ; mail carrier from December 28, 1862 ; in ranks fi'om 
December, 1 862 ; fui'lough fi-om October 18 to November 1 7, 
1864; reenlisted in January, 1864; discharged July 1, 1865. 

John O. Warner enlisted August 12, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal September 20, 1863 ; sick and absent fi'om company 
fi'om May 3 to September 8, 1864 ; promoted to color corporal ; 
killed in battle September 29, 1864, at New Market Heights, 
Va.; bm-ied on the field. 

John E. White enlisted August, 22, 1 862 ; promoted to 
lieutenant November 1, 1864 ; absent on recruiting service from 
August 12,1 863 ; did not retiu'n to company ; discharged 
March 12, 1865. 

Peter Lawson enlisted August 11, 1862; sick at Folly 
Island and died in hospital October 8, 1863; buried on the 
island. 

Douglass Only enlisted August 12, 18h2 ; hospital nurse 
from January 7 to June 1, 1863 ; in ambulance corps from June 
1 to November 11, 1863; sick in hospital from last date tor 



292 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

several months ; transferred to veteran resei-ve corps August 
29, 1864. 

Wm. F. Only enlisted August 11, 1862 ; with 7th Massachu 
setts battery from October 25, 1862, to Febniary, 1863; in 
quartermaster's department from September 20, 1863 ; died of 
fever in hospital at VVilmington, N. C, April 19, 1865. 

John K. Post enhsted July 25, 1862 ; absent sick from July 
30 to September, 1863 ; wounded in leg at Cold Harbor, Va., 
Jime 1, 1864 — leg amputated; died at Carver hospital, Wash- 
ington, D. C, June 21, I8G4 ; buiied there. 

Wm. C. Chamberlain enlisted August 9, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal September 11, 1862; died of fever in regimental 
hospital, Suffolk, Va., November 23, 1862 ; buried in soldiers' 
burial ground there, but afterward removed to Portland. 

John D. Buell enhsted February 24, 1864, in Co. B, 112th 
regiment ; when the regiment was discharged was transferred 
to 3dN. Y. vol's ; discharged August 28, 1865, at Raleigh, N. C. 

154<A Regiment Jsf. Y. Vols. — Joseph B. Fay enlisted 
August 22, 1862, as private ; commissioned captain of Co. E in 
September same year ; taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pa., July 
1, 1863; confined in Libby Prison, Richmond, to Apiil 30, 
1864; rejoined company in Tennessee, but from debility from 
long confinement soon returned, and resigned July 1 6, 1864. 

David S. Connally enlisted August 22, 1862 ; elected orderly 
sergeant of Co. E ; taken prisoner at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 
1863 ; died on Belle Isle, in James river, of exposure and 
starvation November 18, 1863 ; buried there. 

Clinton L. Barnhart enlisted August 22, 1862 ; promoted 
from 4th to 1st sergeant Novembea' 20, 1863 ; promoted to 1st 
lieutenant February 26, 1864 ; woimded and taken prisoner at 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; exchanged and again 
wounded at battle of Pine Knob, Georgia, June 15, 1864; 
returned to Portland and resigned March 13, 1865. 

John Wilson enlisted August 22, 1862 ; wounded at battle of 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863; also at Pine Knob, Georgia, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 293 

June 15, 1864; promoted to sergeant April 10, 1864: discharged 
June 15, 1865. 

Mervin P. Barber enlisted August 2 2d, 1862 ; was a member 
of the pioneer corps for the construction of tents, roads 
and bridges, until the army of Sherman reached Atlanta, 
Georgia, July 1863; in ranks thereafter; discharged June 
23d, 18G5. 

Wm. H. Reynolds enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; died of fever at 
Camp Brown, Jamestown, N. Y., September 1st, 1863 ; brought 
to Portland for burial. 

Elias B. Skone enlisted August 2 2d, 1862; was killed at 
battle of Chancellorsville Virginia, May 2d, 1863 ; body not 
found. 

Charles J. Anderson enlisted August 22d, 1862; constantly 
on duty; discharged June l7th, 18^5. 

Theodore F. Hall enlisted August 22d, 1 862 ; died of fever 
at Casparias Hospital, Washington, D. C, January 20th, 1863 ; 
buiied there, but brought to Portland in the following spring 
by his father, Dr. J. A. Hall, Surgeon of the 49th Regiment, 
N. Y. Volunteers, and buried at Brocton. 

Blackman B. Fitch enlisted August 22, 1 862 ; promoted to 
Sergeant, January 1 864 ; was with Sherman's army fi'om Chat- 
tanooga to Savannah ; discharged for disability, May 8th, 1865. 

George H. Richardson enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; dis- 
charged for disability, ft'om chronic diarrhea, July 8th, 1 863. 

Oscar M. Taylor enlisted September 1st, 1862 ; taken pris- 
oner at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1 st, 1863 ; carried to 
Belle Isle, Richmond, Virginia, and died of .neglect and starva- 
tion December 2d, I863j buried on the island. 

Wm. P. Haight enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; taken prisoner 
at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 2d, 1863 ; paroled and 
exchanged ; while in Georgia accidentally separated from 
company, but returned March oth, 1865 ; discharged June llth, 
1865. 

Henry E. Hill enlisted August, 1862; after being accepted 
by the State Surgeon, was rejected by the IT. S. Surgeon at 



294 HISTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

Camp Brown, Jamestown ; did not go with the company from 
there. 

EHal W. Skinner enlisted August 2 2d, 1862 ; taken prisoner 
at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1st, 1863; taken to Rich- 
mond, afterward to Aiidersonville, then to Savannah and from 
there to Millen, Georgia ; retmned December 2 1st, 1864; dis- 
charged June 23d, 1865. 

Reuben R. Ogden enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; constantly on 
duty to the close of the war ; discharged June 11th, 1865. 

I. Milton Slawson enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; taken prisoner 
at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, July 1st, 1863; died a prisoner 
of war Febraary 14th, 1864, on Belle Isle in the James River 
at Richmond, Vii'ginia, from exposure and starvation. 

Elisha B. Walden enlisted August 22d, 1862; discharged 
April 25th, 1 863, from Governor's Island, New York ; disabled 
before entering active service. 

Thomas K. Bambrick enlisted August 22d, 1862; trans- 
ferred to Pioneer Corps, Jime 23d, 1863, — was in this corps 
to May 23d, 1864, then sent back fi'om Cassville, Georgia, to 
JeiFersonville, Indiana, as hospital steward in charge of sick 
soldiers ; discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, under general 
orders. May 26th, 1865. 

Abel A. Williams enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; taken pris 
oner at Chancellorsville, Virginia, May 2d, 1863 ; paroled and 
exchanged; rejoined the company, and discharged July 1 1th, 
1865. 

PeiTy Chapman enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; absent fi-om 
company fi-om December 26th, 1862 : left at Dumfi-eys, 
Virginia. 

Ii-a F. Biu-roughs enlisted August 22d, 1862 ; transferred 
to Invalid Corps or Veteran Reserves July 1st, 1863. 

Earl Z. Bacon enlisted Augnist 22d, 1862; promoted to 
Corporal in 1863 ; detached as clerk at Brigade Headquarters, 
Gen. P. H. Jones, September 26th, 1864, continued as clerk 
until discharged; sick in March 1865 at Newbem, N. C.;-; 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 295 

sent to General Grant's Hospital on Long Island ; discharged 
May 29tli, 1865. 

Charles O. Furman enhsted August 22d, 1862 ; taken pris 
oner at Chancelloisville, Virginia, May 2d, 1863: taken to 
Kiehmond, paroled and exchanged, and while on his way to 
join company was injured in a raOroad accident at Stephenson, 
Georgia ; was taken to hospital at Murfreesborough ; did not 
again join his company ; discharged July 4th, 1865. 

James B. Haywood enlisted August 22, 1862; taken prisoner 
at Chancellor syille, Va., May 2, 1863 ; paroled and exchanged 
May 15, 1803; woimded at Resaca, Georgia, June 15, 1864; 
taken to hospital in Cleveland, Ohio ; rejoined company and 
regiment at Atlanta, Georgia; discharged June 23, 1865. 

Stephen R. Greene enlisted August 22, 1862 ; taken prisoner 
at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863; paroled and sent to 
Annapolis, Maryland ; exclianged and rejoined company and 
regiment; sick at Chattanooga, Tenn.; did not go with Shei man's 
army through Georgia, but joined the regiment in Virginia the 
following spring and was discharged June 11, 1865. 

Wm. J. Osterhaut enlisted August 22, 1 862 ; taken prisoner 
at Gettysburg, Pa., Jidy 1, 1863 ; paroled and sent to Annapolis, 
Maryland, and died there of fever October 1 6, 1863, before 
being exchanged. 

Hiram L. Skinner enlisted August 23, 1862 ; discharged 
July 3, 1863, for disability ; died in Portland in 1868. 

Andrew Hollister enlisted August 23, 1862 ; promoted to 
corporal in winter of 1 863 ; woimded at battle of Peach Tree 
Creek ; discharged in June, 1865. Afterward participated in 
the " J^enian Raid'' and battle of Pea Kidge, Canada. 

George Swetland enlisted August 22, 1862 ; promoted to 
1st sergeant; wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863; 
discharged Jitne 23, 1865. 

Newell Burch enlisted August 22, 1862; taken prisoner at 
Gettysbmg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; sent to Belle Island, and was in 
Andersonville prison twenty- two months; thence sent to 



296 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Jacksonville, Florida ; was there when the war closed ; was 
dischai-ged in New York. 

Justus Cross enlisted August 2-2, 1862; transferred to the 
navy April 18, 1864; sent to Mobile, Alabama ; was in the 
battle there at the taking of the forts ; discharged August 18, 
1865. 

David T. Taylor enlisted August 22, 1^62 ; discharged June 
7, 1863, for disability. 

Robert Page enlisted August 22, 1862 ; taken prisoner at 
Ohancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; paroled and taken sick 
before being exchanged ; discharged for disability August 6, 
1863. 

Draft of August, 1863. — Wm. W. Billings was the only one 
reporting of the 47 men drawn. He was ordered to Co. G, 5 2d 
N. Y. regiment. He was taken prisoner at the battle of 

December 2, 1863, and died at Andersonville, 

Georgia, April 17, 1864. 

\5th Regiment N". Y. Vols. — Cyrus Benjamin enlisted Jan. 
4, 1864; nothing known of him; discharged August 9, 1865, 
under general orders. 

Those not Credited to Portland. — ''.04th regiment N. Y. vol. 
infantry. — Levant M. Hakes enlisted August 9, 1863, at 
Buffalo, in Co. H ; discharged June 17, 1865. 

&th Regiment Wisconsin Vol. Infantry. — Lysander B. 
Vauleuven enlisted July 1, 1861 ; was in the battles of Bull 
Run, South Mountain and Antietam; discharged July 16, 1864. 

Michigan Vol. Infantry. — Walter Quigley ; nothing 

definitely known of him. 

With Pennsylvania Vol Infantry. — John D. Bentley enlisted 
in May, 1861, as a three months' man, and in September 
following for three years, in Co. A ; promoted to sergeant ; 
promoted to 1 st lieutenant of Co. A ; afterward to captain ; 
discharged in 1862. 

Ephraim K. Fellows enlisted in September, 1861, in Co. A; 
nothing further known of him until after discharge ; now 
living at Gowanda, this state. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 297 

Wm. CoiTell enlisted September 2, 1861 ; discharged for 
disability in July, 186'2. Also a member of Co. A. 

Alfred G. Vanleuven enlisted September 2, 1861, at Concord 
Station, Pa., in Co. A ; lost left arm by a shell at battle of 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; discharged September 14, 
1863. 

Navy. — Joseph E. Cook enlisted at Erie, Pa. 

Abraham Williams and Charles Williams enlisted early in 
the war, but whether in this state or not is not kno^Ti. 

The effect of the war upon the town at large, aside fr-om 
the fact that almost every household was represented at 
the scene of strife, and the sympathies were strongly 
enlisted and the anxieties intense ; and aside from the fact 
that now and then one of these households was made des- 
olate by the news of the death of a loved one, killed in 
battle, or dying in some hospital or loathsome prison, — was 
scarcely felt. So far removed from the theatre cf active ope- 
rations, little of the dread realities were known, and the duties 
of life were engaged in as usual, and industries pursued as 
though the one hundi'ed and forty-foiu* of its bravest and trxiest 
sons were yet at home, and the peaceable jjursiiits of life receiving 
their accustomed attention. It is tme that the labor and 
enterprise of this number were lost to the town in a certain 
sense ; but this was of small moment ; the gi'eat vacuum w^as 
in the hearts of relatives and friends, and in fact of the whole 
community, for all felt they had an interest, the interest 
almost of kindred, in every absent volunteer. Thousands in 
treasure w^ere voted and paid for purposes connected with 
the war, but the advanced price in consequence of the 
war for every conceivable product of industiy, made the 
burden comparatively light ; and the town is to-day richer by 
far in material wealth than it would have been had the war 
1 never occurred. But this, although it should be tnie of 
I every town in the United States, would not extenuate the 
heinousness of the crime of the originators of the war or 
1 its abettors. War is an evil "and only evil and that con- 



298 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

tinually," yet in the system of an Allwise Providence, good 
may and often does result as in the recent conflict in which, 
under God, one of the darkest curses that ever rested 
upon our sin ciu'sed world was swept fi'om our posses- 
sions. 

All honor to the "boys in blue" from the town of Port- 
land, who went forth at their country's call to assist in 
subduing the foulest rebellion that has yet iound record 
upon the pages of history. With grateful hearts we 
remember their sacrifices and "deeds of valor done," and 
will never fail to do them reverence so long as one yet |J 
hngers amongst us ; and although no marble shaft has )j 
been reared to commemorate their deeds, and keep in 
remembrance those that fell in the fearful conflict, or/ 
sickened and died away from kindred and home, yet their 
memories are faithfully enshrined in the heart of hearts of ' 
every dweller in town ; and the heart is softened and 
made better by the kindlings that spring up as we stand ,^ 
about then- graves, or call to remembrance their manly 
virtues. 

Mexican War — -1847. — Portland furnished but tAo men 
for the army in the war with Mexico, in 1847 ; Henry A. 
Granger, son of David B. Granger, who died at Jalappa, Mex- 
ico, January 19th, 1848, and Ira Humeson, son of Mrs. 
Richard Gator by a former marriage, who served through the 
war, and returned and died in town a few years since. 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 299 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

Cemeteries. 

I. Evergreen Cemeterr/. — ^Is located on lot 30, T. 5. The 
ground was donated by Captain James Dunn in 1807. A 
deed was made by Mr. Dunn to the settlers by name, then 
not above eight or ten in number. The names as far as 
now remembered, were Nathan Fay, Elisha Fay, David Eaton, 
Benjamin Hutchins, Peter Kane, Nathaniel Fay. Mr. Dunn 
reserved an interest and a choice of lots. David Eaton 
drew the deed, but it is not to be found, and if recorded 
it was probably in the clerk's office at Buffalo. The first 
buried in these grounds was Mrs. Nathan Fay, in 1807, 
the first death in town. The grounds were used for burial 
pui'poses until 1^55, when they were enla':ged and a ceme- 
tery association incorporated, under the name of Evergreen 
Cemetery Association. The act bears date March 10th, 
1855. The incorporators names were, Simeon Dedericki 
Joseph Correll, Daniel Webster, Parsons Taylor, Abram Bow- 
dish, Philip Mericle, Lemi Bartholomew, James Billings, 
Lewis Potter, David Granger, Alonzo Bowdish, Leonard Lilly, 
Absalom Woleben, John S. Coon, Isaac Shattuck, Charles 
A. Marsh, J. B. ElHott, E. Denison, Lincoln Fay, D. P. Bow- 
dish, G. M. Taylor, Henry Flint, A. B. Bowdish, A. B. Mosher, 
John Correll, O. J. Greene, Alfred Eaton, G. H. To-svnsend. 

The first trustees were Alonzo Bowdish and Henry 
Flint for one year ; Alfred Eaton and C. A. Marsh for two 
vears ; David Granger and J. B. Elliott for three years. The 



300 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

annual meeting occurs on the first Satiuxlay in March. The 
articles are signed by S. Dederick, chaii-man, Joseph Correll. 
secretary. The acknowledgment was taken by T. Judd. 
justice of the peace, and recorded March 19th, 1855. 

2. Brocton Cemetery — Is located on lot 20, T. 5. The 
ground was donated by Dea. Elijah Fay as early as 1820. 
It has been once enlarged, and by the terms of the deed 
is under the control of the trustees of the Baptist chiu'ch, 
Brocton. The first buried here was the wife of Ebenezer 
Williams in 1812. Six others were buiied here the same 
year, and amongst them Lewis McManus, killed by the fall of 
a tree ; Sophia Miunford, and Samuel Hams, brother of 
Ebenezer and J. E. Harris. 

3. Westfield and Portland Union Cemetery — Is situated 
in the town of Westfield, on the farm of Daniel Farrington, 
lot 30, T. 4, R. 14. The western and southwestern portion 
of Portland for many years, has been associated with the 
eastern jjortion of Westfield in the occupancy of these 
grounds. They are surrounded by a neat and substantial iron 
fence, built in a large degree through the munificence of the 
former proprietor of the land, Mr. Daniel Farrington, and 
are an honor to the inhabitants of the section in which they 
are located. The first adult buried here was John Smith 
in 1812. 

4. North Portland Cemetery — Is situated on the east 
part of lot 32, T. 5, in school dist. No. 7. The north portion 
was deeded to Simon Burton and John Conner, for burial 
purposes, April 18th, 1838. A road was laid immediately 
south of it, and the ground enlarged upon the south of 
the road, and deeded by B. F. Pecor to Addison O. Bar- 
ringer, trustee. On the discontinuance of the road the 
title of the land was again in Mr. Pecor. Thus the 
land is held by three separate deeds. It is all enclosed 
however, and used as a cemeteiy. It is under the control 
of trustees regularly chosen. The first buried here was 
Betsey Ferris, in 1826, before title was obtained. Title to 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 801 

the south part was not obtained until August 8th, 1862. 

5. Union Lawn Cemetery Association — This association 
was formed for the piu'pose of procuring new grounds at 
Brocton for burial jjurposes, in view of the crowded state 
of the old grounds. The act of incorporation bears date 
December 6th, 1 869, and is signed by Timothy Judson as 
chairman, and II. C. Taylor, secretary. The acknowledgment 
was taken by U. S. Ladue, Esq.; and was recorded in the 
clerk's office December 17th, 1809. The names of the incor- 
porators are, T. S. Moss, Mark Haight, Linus Bmton, Henry 
Sage, H. B. Crandall, T. Flanders, J. H. Haight, J. A. 
H. Skinner, John Corbett, M. P. Barber, John Wurman, Sal- 
mon Burton, E. Randall, R. A. Hall, Austin Baker, Charles 
Barker, U. S. Ladue, A. J. Skinner, J. B. Haywood, H. C. 
Taylor, T. Judson G. E. Ryckman, J. L. Hatch, E. Elmore, 
Lemi P. Barber, J. H. MiUer, D. T. Taylor, H. J. Dean, L. W. 
Skinner, Earl Baco . The first trustees were, E. Ptandull 
and H. C. Taylor for one year ; T. S. Moss and Linus Bur- 
ton for two years ; J. L. Hatch and E. Elmore for three 
years. The annual meeting occurs on the first Monday 
of December. No grounds have as yet been obtained — July 
1873. 

6. A Cemetery was laid out on the bank of the lake, on 
lot 16, T. 5, on lands now owned by Horace Skinner. Many 
years since, probably about 1823, several bodies were deposited 
here, but a few years since they were removed to No. 1 and 2, 
and the grounds discontinued. 

7. A fetv private or family burial grounds were laid oiit 
and occupied in earlier years, but are now discontinued, and 
those deposited in them removed. One of these, belonging 
to the late Mr. Samuel Millet, was continued until within 
the last few years. 

Old Mr. Joy, father of Caut. David Joy, and a few others 
were buried in a field now belonging to Richard Reynolds, on 
lot 19, T. 5, a few rods east of the residence of Charles Fay, 
but the precise spot it is difficult to determine. 



302 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Jacob Klumpli, by request, was buried on his faiTU on lot 
47, T. 4, between two large rocks, where he still rests. The 
writer is informed that a few others were buried in cliflerent 
sections of town, but the name and precise spot of each have 
passed fiom memory. No aborigmal burial grounds have 
been discovered within the boundaries of the tovni. 



THE TOWTSf OF PORTLAND. 303 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL SKETCHES. 

1805 TO 1829. 



[These sketches are presented without comment. lu connection with them a large 
number of facts and dates will appear, and it is scarcely possibla but that some errors 
should occur. They have been examined critically, however, by the side of the 
material furnished and every pains taken to attain as high a state of accuracy as is 
possible with such statistics. The names of the settlers are placed in the order of 
the year of their coming to town as far as possible to obtain dates.] 

[To economize space the following abbreviations will be made use of : S., for son ; 
dau., for daughter ; b., for born ; d., for died ; m., for married ; w., for ^vife ; ch., for 
child or children ; wid., for widow ; fa., for father ; P., for Portland.] 

1. JAMES DUNN.— Capt. James Dunn was the first settler 
of Portland. He was the son of William, and b. in Lycoming 

county, Pa., 1761. He m. Alexander, in Mifflin county, 

same state, in 1791. Mrs. D. was b. in S. Carolina in 1771, 
and her father, James Alexander, removed to Pa. in 1779. Mr. 
D. lived upon his father's farm until 1803, when he removed 
to a purchase of 500 acres of land near Meadville, Pa. Not 
being pleased with the location, in 1804 he exj^lored the whole 
lake region from Erie, Pa., to Canadaway, and although the 
territory was not yet surveyed into lots, he located a tract to 
which he removed his family in 1805. His first contract with 
the Holland Company bears date May 31, 1804, for 1150 acres, 
as afterward surveyed all of lots 30, 31, 34 and parts of lots 25 
and 35, T. 5, at $2.50 per acre. He aftei-ward had " booked " 
to him by the company lots 19 and 38, T. 5, making in all 2002 
acres. He came to P. with the Pa. regulation team of four 
horses. The roads were almost impassable and would have 
disheartened and tm'iied back a less determined spirit. He 

39 



304 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

first located on a portion of lot 31 near a large spring, near the 
present residence of E. B. Taylor, and built a shanty of poles 
for a teinj)orary residence but remoA^ed to a more commodious 
one within the next few months, on the N. p't of lot 30, T. 5, 
near the present residence of Stephen Weld. Here he cleared 
an acre of land but remained no longer than the road surveyed 
by James McMahan in 1805 was located, when he built a log 
house on or near the ground where now stands the house of 
John Dudley, p't lot 30, T. 5, and removed to it in the spiing of 

1806. He opened a tavern in 1808, and in 1811 built a large 
log building for a bar room, which was removed but a few 
years since. Mr. D. lived here until his death, which occurred 
Oct. 23, 1838. Mi-s. D. d. Oct. 23, 1 850. The house of Mr. 
Dunn was the great rallying point for the settlers for some 
years. The first public religious services in town were held at 
his house in i 810, and the first school was taught there the 
same year. The road passed to the south of the house and was 
not changed for many years. The nearest reliable point for 
grinding for the first few years was Erie, Pa., 35 miles, or Black 
Rock, 55 miles. Mr. D. disposed of liis land to actual settlers, 
reserving only the farm on which he lived. The first deed 
made and executed in town was by him to Nathan Fay, in 

1 807, for 46 acres of land now owned in part by S. S. Jones, 
p't of lot 25, T. 5. Mr. D. was elected road commissioner in 
18u5, and it was through his influence that the south road, so 
called, was surveyed through the town of Chautauqua that 
year. He was a Revolutionary soldier, an excellent citizen, and 
]^Ii's. D. was an excellent specimen of a pioneer's wife. The 
old family Bible brought from Mifflin Co., Pa., is in the 
possession of Mrs. Lucius Jones, the youngest dau. of IVIr. D., 
now living in Hanover, this county, and has the following 
record : 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. — (1.) William: b. Feb. 8, 1792; . 
m. Ann Smith ; settled on farm now owned by John Fleming, 
p't lot 30, T. ^ ; sold to Anson Driggs and moved west. (2.) 
Eliza : b. July 3, 1 793 ; m. Dr. M. Simons ; d. in Buffalo, N. Y., 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 305 

June, 1 H36 ; buried in Forestville, N. Y. (3.) James : b. Feb. 
28, 1796 ; d. from the effects of a fall Jan. 6, 1814. (4.) Davis: 
b. April 14, 1708 ; d. young. (5.) Eebecca : b. Jan. 30, 1800 : 
m. Richard Gator; d. in P. in 1828. (6.) David: b. Oct. 14, 
1801; m. Harriet Porter; occupied the old homestead for 
many years; now lives in Missouri. (7.) John: b. Oct. 16, 
1803 ; m.^^ — : — Page ; settled on p't of the old homestead. (8.) 
George W.: b. Jan. 15, 1807 ; was the first white child b. in P.; 
never m.; d. Jan. 23, 1841. (9.) Polly: b. Jan. 29, 1809; m. 

Page ; settled in Hanover, this county, and fi'om there 

removed to Wisconsin. (lO.) Jane: b. Jime 3, 1811; m. 
Lucius Jones ; lives in Hanover, this county. The first six 
wei-e b. in Mifflin Co., Pa.; one near Meadville, Pa ; three in P. 

2. BENJAMIN HUTCHINS— Was b. in the town of Pawlet. 
Vt., Aug. 21, 1766, and came to P. from Otsego Co., N. Y., in 
I8<'5 ; located p't of lot 41, T. 5, farm now owned by the heirs 
of George W. Arnold. In 1806 he removed his family to his 
new purchase. His article bears date June 5, 1806. Mr. H. 
m. Elizabeth Rice, dau. of Peltiah Rice, in Otsego Co., in 1796. 
Mr. R. aftei-ward removed to Westfield. In 1817 Mr. H. sold 
his farm to John Druse and removed to Westfield. Mrs. H. 
d. in 1818, and Mr. H. in Aug., 1855. They were buried in 
W. & P. U. Cemetery. In religion IVIi-. H. was Protestant, and 
in politics a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and 3frs. Hutchins. — (1.) Peltiah: m. 
Mariah Dutcher ; settled in Michigan and still living. (2.) 
Charlotte : m. Coach Minegar of ^'^' estfield ; is still living : 
Mr. Minegar d. Feb. 19, 1871. (3.) Clarissa: m. Alanson Gear: 
Mr. G. d. in Canada ; Mrs. G. m. Stephen Ludlow ; removed 
to Iowa ; d. there in 1868. (4.) John : b. in P. Nov. 17, 1809 : 
m. Jane Ludlow Jan. 19, 1837; lives in Westfield. (5.) 
LusYLviA : m. Samuel Covey ; lives in Westfield. (6.) M.vry : 
lived with Mi's. Covey ; d. in 1865. 

3- NATHAN FAY— Was the son of Nathan, and b. in South- 
biu'y, Mass. He m. Betsey Clemens, who was b. in Hopkinton, 
same state. In 1 805 Mr. Fay and Da\'id Eaton passed through 



306 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

P. on a prospecting tour, on foot, with their knapsacks on their 
backs, and on their return passed through the south part of 
the county. In May, 1806, Mr. Fay removed with his family 
of a wife and six ch. to P., settling on the farm now owned in 
part by Lincoln Fay, p't of lot 25, T. 5. His first house was a 
log hut standing on the S. p't of the lot, nearly in front of the 
residence of E. Denison. Afterward he built a log house on a 
ridge of ground north of the house on the farm of Jonas H. 
Martin. In 1807 he built a log house near a large spring in 
the rear of the present residence of S. S. Jones, on p't of lot 
25, on land lie purchased of James Dunn, the deed of which was 
the first executed in town. The article of his land bears date 
June 6, 1806. In 1807 Mrs. Fay d. — the first death in town 
and the first bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. In the fall of 1 809 
Mr. F. m. Miss Mercy Groves in Oneida Co., this state. He 
lived but a short time after this marriage, dying in June, 1810. 
He was bu. by the side of his wife. Mr. F. was a Deist, and 
in politics a " repubhcan or its equivalent." 

family of Mr. and Mrs. Fay. — (1.) Hattie: m. Simeon 
Guyle ; settled in Wisconsin ; Mr. G. d. there ; Mrs. G. is 
hving with a son in Cleveland, Ohio. (2.) John : m. Nancy 
McClintock ; settled in VVestfiekl, N. Y., but d. in Fulton, HI. 
(3.) Nathan: went to Michigan ; m. and d. there. (4.) Cutting: 
went south ; supposed to be dead. (5.) Willaed ; left home 
and was never heard fi-om. (6.) Esther : lived in Ripley, this 
county; d. there about 1865. (7.) Betsey: only one b. in P.; 
m. Samuel Moorhouse in 1 829 ; now lives in Clark county, 
Missouri. 

4. ELISHA FAY— Was the son of Nathaniel Fay and 
Ruth Rice, his wife, and was b. in Framingham, Mass., June 2, 
1 783. He came to P. from Westbury, Worcester coimty, that 
state, in June, 1806. He was then a young man and came in 
company -wdth his brother Nathaniel, also a young man, and 
Nathan Fay and family. Mr. Fay located the E. p't of lot 25, 
T. 5, and erected his log cabin about ten rods east of the stone 
house now upon the premises and owned by Geo. Smith. He 



<m- 



^ V.' 




W 



i 



tj^-'-^^ 




CL^i^-<..-^^ C^a^yt!^tr->o 




THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



307 



has lived upon this purchase 67 years, though for some years 
as a boarder with his sons. His article bears date July 30, 
1806. In 1807 he returned to Mass. and in Sept. m. Sophia 
Nichols, who also was b. in Framingham, in 1785. He came 
to F. a second time in company with James Parker, arriving 
in Nov. Mi's. F. walked long distances during the tedious 
trip, and all the way from Buifalo. A new log house was at 
once built and occupied until 1 828 when the stone house was 
built. Ml'. Fay was in the war of 1812 at Black Rock and 
Biiffalo. He is the oldest actual settler in town now living 
(1873). Mr. and Mrs. F. became converts to the christian faith 
in 1817, and became members of the M. E. church and after- 
ward of that division known as Wesleyan, and were zealous and 
influential members. Mrs. Fay d. in Oct., !850, and was bu. in 
Evergreen Cemetery. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Fay. — (1.) Lincoln: b. Aug. 15, 
1808 ; m. Sophronia Peck Dec. 31, 1835, and now lives upon 
the farm located by Nathan Fay in 1806, p't lot 25, T. 5. (2.) 
Eddie : b. April 9, 1811 ; d. March 11, 1834. (3.) Charles: b. 
Mai'ch 24, 1813 ; m. Laura A. Hall ; lives on a part of the old 
homestead. (4.) Otis N.: b. Feb. 5, 1820 ; m. Emeline Van- 
tassel ; lives in P., S. W. p't of lot 19, T. 5. 

5. DAVID EATON— Was the son of Benjamin and Mary 
Eaton, the oldest son and the fifth of a family of ten ch. He 
was b. in Framingham, Mass., Feb. 2, 1782. His father was 
poor, a shoemaker, and David was put upon the bench at nine 
years of age, and at fourteen made shoes for the market. 
When eighteen years of age his father d., but he continued the 
business and supported the family until he was twenty-two. 
Although troubled with the care and suj)port of a large family, 
he found time to store his mind with the essentials of a good 
education. Early in 1 805 he visited the " purchase " in company 
with Nathan Fay and explored the whole lake region from 
Buifalo to N. East, Pa., retm-ning in August. April 20, 1806, 
he m. Elizabeth Home, and the next month, accompanied by 
his wife, mother and yoitngest sister, Nathan Fay and family, 



308 HISTOEICAIi SKETCHES OF 

Elisba and Nathaniel Fay, started for the west, " some pomt 
on the shore of lake Erie." His conveyance was a span of 
horses and covered wagon. Mrs. Eaton was in feeble health 
but hoping for a favorable change ; but before reaching Utica, 
this state, showed signs of a decline, and on arriving at New 
Hartford was obliged to stop for rest. But that insidious 
disease whose stealthy approach no hand may stay had marked 
its victim, and she d. June 10 and was buiied there. Mr. Eaton 
left his mother and sister and proceeded to Canadaway and 
from there to P., and located at once p't of lot 37, T. 5, the 
fann upon which he lived until his death — nearly sixty seven 
years. He returned to Batavia, procured his article, which 
bears date July 9, 1806, and paid the required ten per cent. 
The article was filled out by Wm. Peacock, then a clerk in the 
office, and Mr. E. remembered being asked if he could write 
his name. He returned to P., built a log house, cleared two 
acres of land and in October removed his family from New 
Hartford. The following winter was very severe ; there was 
a heaxy fall of snow, the mills at Westfield were fi'ozen and he 
was obliged to resort to the mortar and pestle to prepare his 
corn for food. His mother kept house for him until 1 811, when 
he m. Mrs. Mei'cy Fay, widow of Nathan Fay. \_See No. 3.] 
The sister of Mr. E. taught the first school in town in 1810 and 
followed teaching until 1815, when she m. and moved to 
Whitestown, this state. [^See Schools.'] The mother of Mr. E 
d. Oet. 14, 1848, aged 95 years and six months. His wife d- 
May 12 1862. Mr. Eaton d. Oct. 7, 1872, aged 90 years and 
8 months. They were all bruied in Evergreen Cemetery. 

Mr. Eaton was a man of considerable prominence; was in 
office of some kind many years, and was an honest, faithful and 
competent officer ; in fact he was well fitted by nature, educa 
tion and habit to become a leading spirit, as he did, in those 
early years of the settlement of the county. He was clerk of 
the election in 1^'07, the first in the county; was elected 
assessor of the town of Chautauqua for 1 809 ; was clerk of the 
board of supervisors from ^820 to '27 and for the years 1831 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 309 

and '32 ; was supervisor of the town for six years [See Town 
Officers] and was chairman of the board in 1815 wlien a new 
member ; was a justice of the peace for several years ; was 
apjjointed superintendent of the poor in 1844 and served in 
that capacity six years — the last term b}^ election ; was town 
clerk for fourteen years, and in fact filled some official position 
until 1 850. In common with most men of that day he was an 
aspirant for military honors. After serving in inferior positions 
he was commissioned lieutenant of militia by Gov. Tompkins 
in 181 or '11, and served in that capacity until 1814 when he 
was appointed regimental paymaster, which position he held 
to the close of the war. Wliile lieut. of Capt. Moore's company 
of Chautauqua militia he was present at the battle of Queens- 
town, Oct. 3, 1812 ; was in the battle of Black Rock and 
Btiffalo Dec. 30, 1813. and was with his company on the Niagara 
fi'ontier in Aug. and Sept., 1814. At the close of the war he 
resigned the position of regimental paymaster and as he says, 
"bade adieu to all military affairs." \_See Warofl^Vi.'] He 
was appointed brigade inspector May 14, 1816, but declined 
serving. 

Mr. and Mrs. Eaton were members of the first Congrega- 
tional church formed in P. in 1818. Mrs. E. became a member 
of the church after its reorganization in 1 833, but Mr. Eaton 
never again became a member of any chiu'ch. Of his religious 
belief he says in his letter, " My present belief is that every 
person will receive according to the deeds done in the body, 
whether they be good or whether they be evil, without any 
reference to professions or want of professions, or sectarian 
names or creeds." Of his political sentiments he writes : "I 
was a federalist up to the war of 1 812, but becoming dissatisfied 
with the course taken by the party with reference to the war I 
left it. I afterward became a Clintonian, and voted for J. Q. 
Adams for president, for Harrison, Taylor, Fremont, Lincoln 
and Grant. Thus you have my politics in a nut shell." He 
was a JVestor among the early settlers and little was done and no 
enterprise prosecuted for the benefit of the town or its citizens 



310 fflSTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF 

but that lie was a guiding spirit. He lived a conscientious, 
upright life, and died as he lived. \^See various divisions of 
this icork.'\ 

Family of Mr. <jt Mrs. Eaton. — Edwin; b. Dec. 19th, 
1811 ; m. Caroline P. Baldridge of Fredonia, Mar. 1843; lives 
in Frewsburg, this county. (2) Emit.y, b. Aug. 8th, 1813 : 
m. Josiah "Wheeler of Frewsburg, June 15th, 1847 ; Mi-. W. d. 
Oct. 1868; Mrs. W. d. May 27th, 1871. (3) Ai.feed, b. Mar. 
4th, 1815; m. Hannah C. Clark, May 20th, 1845; settled in 
Wisconsin ; now lives in this town on the old homestead. 
(4) OscAK, b. Aug. 8th, 1820 ; m. Louisa A. Kennedy of 
Steuben county this state, Oct. 1st. 1850; lived for some 
years at Grand Traverse, Mich.; now lives at Forest Grove 
Oregon. (5) Darwin G., b. Mar. 6th, 1 822 ; m. Ann J. Collins 
of Delaware county this state, Oct. 2d, 1850; now Professor 
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Pai'ker Collegiate 
Institute, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

6. PETEK KANE — Came from some point in the valley of 
the Mohawk. His father was Irish and his mother Dutch. 
His wife was also Dutch. He settled on the 8. part of House 
Farm, part of lot 30, T. 4, R. 14, in 1804, and kept a tavern 
for two years. He was a justice of the peace in 1805. In 
1806 he pui'chnsed of James Dunn the farm owned for many 
years by the late Mrs. Margaret D. Leech, part of lot 38 T. 
5. Upon this he built a log house, on the road surveyed by 
McMahan in 1805, midway between the north and south 
roads, where he lived imtil his death, Jan. 7th, 1818. The 
well fi'om Avhich they obtained their supply of water is 
still to be seen. After the death of Mr. K. his wid. lived 
with her dau. Clara, in Erie, Pa., where she d. a few years 
later. Mr. K. was a revolutionary soldier, and of the war of 
1812. He was bruied in Evergreen Cemetery. 

lamily of Mr. and Mrs. Kane.—iX) Poi-i-y, m. Absalom Har 
ris in 18 i 0. Mr. H. soon d. leaving her a widow, the first in 
the present town of P. She now lives near Union Pa 
(2) Clara, m. ; settled in Erie, Pa., and is still living, as 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 311 

far as known. (3) Philip, m. Sophia Anderson ; occupied the 
farm until 1824 ; sold to Robert Leech ; now lives in Iowa. (4) 
Ann, m. Luke Drury ; settled in Westfield ; ]\Ii-. D. committed 
suicide by cutting his throat ; Mrs. 1). is now living at 
Spartans burg. Pa. 

7. JOHN PRICE — Was originally from New England, and 
settled firstly at Colt's Station, Erie comity, Pa. He came 
fi-om there to P. in 1806 and settled on part of lot 38, T 
5, land now owned by Edward McGarrall. He built his log 
shanty on the S. E. part, in which he lived until 1815, when 
he built a log house on the ground now occupied by the 
house of Mr. McGarrall. In 1828 he exchanged farms with 
Norman Kibbie of Westfield, taking a farm on the west side 
of Chautauqua Lake, where he d. a few years later. Mi*, and 
Mrs. P. were members of the Baptist church, Brocton, imiting 
in Feb. 1820. Mrs. P. removed to Iowa with a m. dan. 

Family of Mr. and Mi's. Price. — But a part of the family 
are remembered, as follows: (1) Harvey; (2) Erastus ; (3) 
John; (4) Olive; (5) Hiram; (6) Cyrus; (7) Polly; (8) 
Lforetia ; (9) Jane. Little is remembered of them. 

8. NATHANIEL FAY— Came to P. in the spring of 1806, in 
company with his brother Elisha. He was the son of Nathan- 
iel, and was b. in Westborough, Mass., Jan. 25th, 1785. He 
located pt. of lot 12, T. 5, 200 acres, June 10th, 1810. It is 
now owned by his son Franklin. July 17th, 1816, he m. 
i>ydia Barnes, dau. of Calvin Barnes, of P. Mrs. Fay was 
b. in Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., Jan. 17th, 1798. They 
took possession of their first log house Dec. 23d, 1816. The 
house now on the farm was built in 1841. Mr. Fay was a 
man of sterling integrity ; was much in town oflice, and was 
once elected. supervisor. He was in the war of 1812, and at 
the battle of Black Rock and Bufialo. He was a farmer. In 
religion Mr. Fay was a Universalist ; in politics a Republican, 
though in earlier years a Democrat. He d. May 1 5th, 1 853. 
Mrs. Fay d. Sept. 4. 1872. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. tax/. — (1) Mary Ann, b. Mar. 2 3d, 

40 



312 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

1818 ; m. Orrin Brainard, Mar. 1st, 1841 ; first settled in Ark- 
wright, afterward in Pomfret, where she d. Dec. 17th, 1854. 
(2) Franklin, b. June 4th, 1820 ; m. Catharine Bowdish, Jan. 
22d, 1845, now lives on the homestead. (3) Nathaniel b. July 
14th, 1822; m. Nancy Bowdish Dec. l7th, J 845; settled in 
Stockton, this county ; is now a clergyman of the M. E. 
church and stationed at Emlentou, Pa. (4) Lucy, b. Oct. 23d, 
1830; d. Mar. Gth, 1847; bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. 

9. JAMES PARKER— Was a son of Dr. — Parker, and was 
b. in the town of Southbury, Mass. in 1782. Hem. Charlotte, 
a sister of David Eaton, in 1807. Mrs. P. was b. in South 
bury, Aug. 5th, 1 786. They came to P. in the fall of the 
year in which they were m. in company with Elisha Fay and 
wife. Mr. P. was a tanner, and established the first tannery in 
the to^Ti of P. [See Tanneries.] He lived in P. but one 
year, removing to the cross roads and engaging in business 
there. He removed to Carroll in 1821, where he d. in 1838. 
Mrs. P. d. there in 1 843. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Parker. — (1)Ann.\ Maria, was b. 
in P. July 27tli, 1808 ; m Josiah Wheeler of Frewsburgh, Sept. 
22d, 1831 ; d. Aug. I7th, 1846. (2) Louisa, b. June 16th, 1814, 
at Westfield; m. Geo. Bartlett, Sept. 22d, 1835; d. May 30th, 
1838. (3) James, Jim., b. at Westfield, Dec. 1 7th, 1818; m. 
Sabra A. Howard, Sept. 28th, 1 838 ; d. in Carroll, Sept. 2 1 st 
18G3. The prominence to which he attained makes it but 
just that farther note should be made of him. He was a 
man of warm and generous impulses, active and vigorous in 
all his conceptions, and fearless in vindicating what his judg- 
ment approved. In 1849 he was elected a justice of the peace 
in the town of Carroll, which oftice he held imtil his death. 
He was twice elected supervisor of liis town, and the 
second year was chairman of the board. In 1 859 he was 
appointed a commissioner with W^ard Hunt of Utica and 
Isaac Dayton of N. Y. city, to settle some claims against the 
state, and discharged the trust with honor. In 1860 he was 
presidential elector for this district ; and in 1861 was 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 313 

appointed assistant clerk of the \J. S. House of Represen- 
tatives, which place he held at the time of his death. In 
1855 he became editor of the Chautauqua Democrat, and 
was its principal editor at the time of his death. But he 
was cut down in early manhood in the midst of his use- 
fulness. 

10. NATHAN CROSBY— Came to P. fi-om Pennsylvania in 

1807, locating what is now known as the Boicdish Farm, 
N. pt. lot 33, T. 5. His article was dated May 15th that 
year. He sold to Rufus Perry in June 1809 and returned 
to Pa. Nothing definite is remembered of him. 

11. ERASTUS TAYLOR.— See No. 64. 

12. JOSIAH HART— Settled on pt. of lot 41, T. 5, in 

1808. But little is known of him. He left town after a 
few years. 

13. PETER INGERSOLL— Came to P. in 1809. Of his 
nativity nothing is remembered. He was the first settler 
upon the McKenzie Farm, pt. of lot 41, T. 5. His article 
was dated July 14th, 1809. Fe built a large double log- 
house on the opposite side of the road fi'om the house 
now on the farm, in which he kept a tavern until 1816. In 
this house on the Sabbath religious services were held for 
some years. [See Cong, chui-ch.] In 1811 he built a fi'ame 
barn, the first frame building of any description built in town. 
It is still standing on the farm, but newly silled and cov- 
ered. He sold in 1816, to Joseph Cass, and left town. He 
had two sons in the war of 1812, John and William. 

14. RUFUS PERRY— C^ame to P. fiom Pennsylvania in 
1808 or ( 809, and settled on a farm known as the Bowdish 
Farm, N. W. pt. lot 33, T. 5, buying a claim of Nathan Crosby. 
His article is dated Jirne 2 2d, 1809. He lived u^ion this 
claim imtil 1821, when he sold to Wm. Burnham, and removed 
to Ohio in 1 822. 

Family of Mr. atid Mrs. Perry. — The children's names 
as far as known were, (1) Makii.la, (2) Ruth, (3) Nemton, (4) 
Paulina, (5) Eliakim, (6) Seth, (V) Daaid, (8) Eliza (9) James. 



314 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

15. DAVID FAKLIN— Came to P. from eastern N. Y., 
bought of James Parker ten acres of land adjoining- the 
farm of D. Eaton, pt. lot 37, T. 5, in 1809. He sold in 1827 
and bought part of lot 14, T. 5, near the farm of Wm. 
Case, north of Brocton. His aged father committed suicide 
in the woods near his home. 

16. ^lARTIN SMITH—Came to P. fi-om Schoharie county, 
N. Y. in 1809, and settled on the farm now owned by J. Mc- 
Fadden, commonly known as the Goodsell Farm, buying of 
Capt. James Dunn. This purchase included the Nilcholas Uhl 
Farm, now occupied by M. S. Noxon, pt. lot 34, T. 5. He 
kept a tavern for a few years in the frarue house built by J. 
Potter in 1812. [See Taverns.] He left town a few years 
later, probably in 1820, and for several years kept a tavern 
at Tonewanda N. Y. He d. in the Insane Asylum at Buffalo, 
Some of the family m. in P. as will be seen elsewhere 

17. THOMAS KLUMPH— Brother of Augustine, Jacob 
and Jeremiah came to P. from Springfield, Otsego county, N. 
Y., in 1808, and located 200 acres of land, pt. of lot 41, T. 5, 
now owned in part by H. A. Blowers. Mr. Klumph was b. in 
1778 ; m Sally Rice in 1808, who was b. in Otsego county in 
1791. In 1810 they removed to their purchase in P. His log- 
house was located near a spring east of the house now on 
the farm. Two years later his house was burned and 
he occupied the log school house elsewhere sj^oken of as 
the first built in town. He sold to Asa Thornton in 1815, 
and located pt. of lot 32, T. 4, where he lived for about fifteen 
years, then removing to Conneaut, Ohio, where he d. in 1 858. 
Mrs. K. is still living. Mr. K. was a Methodist ; politically ^ 
Federalist. 

Family of 3Ir. and Mrs. Klumph. — (I)Alexis, \2) Lester, 
(3) Jacob, (4) Joun, (5) Lafayette, (6) Alma, (7) Charity, (8) 
Charlot'te, (9) Cornelius. Most if not all of them live neai' 
Conneautville, Pa., except the youngest, who was wrecked on 
Lake Erie, 1861, but succeeded in getting ashore only to perish 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 315 

from C0I4 IB the woods near the month of Cattaraugus 
creek. 

18. PAESONS TAYLOR.— See No. 64. 

19. DAVID CARPENTER— Was a brother of the first wife 
of Parsons Taylor, and came to P. with him from Chenango 
county, N. Y., in 1809. He bought fifty acres of land of James 
Dunn, now owned by David Sldnner, central p't of lot 34, T. 
5. He m. Julia Crane, and d. June 24, 1833. 

20. ABSALOM HARRIS— Came to P. about 1808. He 
articled the E. p't of lot 33, T. 5, Feb. 5, 1810. He m. Polly 
Kane, dau. of Peter Kane, in 1810, but soon d., leaving lier a 
\yid., the first becoming so in the present town of P. He was 
V)u. in Evergreen Cemetery. 

21. ALFRED HODGE— Settled on the central p't of lot 41, 
T. 5, in 1809. Nothing definite is known of him. He remained 
in town but a few years. 

22. DAVID B. GRANGER— Was a native of Vermont, and 
b. March 7, 1787. He m. Martha Muuson, dau. of Samuel 
Munson, at New Hartford, Qneida coiuity, N. Y. Mrs. G. was 
b. in Oneida county March 11, 1792. They removed to P. in 
1810 and occupied a log house on the McKenzie farm, on lot 
41, T. 5, but so'in purchased a claim to p't of lot 63, T. 4, farm 
now o^vned by James Kelsey. He remained on this claim but 
a short time, next buying a claim to p't of lot 37, T. 5, where 
he lived mitil his death. He occupied a log house until 1831 
Avhen the house on the farm was built by him. He was a 
farmer and brick maker. He d. in Bufl^alo June 26, 1849, and 
bu. there, but was subsequently removed to P. Evergreen 
Cemetery. His widow occupied the homestead until her d., 
which occurred Oct. 4, 1802. She was bu. by her husband. 
Ml'. G. was in the war of 1812 ; was a '■ Jackson democrat and 
a Harrison whig." Mr. and Mrs. G. were true to the command, 
'' Be fruitful and multiply," and had a family of sixteen ch. 

JBamily of Mr and Mrs. Granger. — (1.) Morgan L.: b. Dec. 
2, 1812: m. Asenath Wright Sept. 8, 1S36 ; lives in P. (2.) 
Martha C: b. Dec. 12, 1813; m. Daniel P. Bowdish ; settled 



316 HISTOBICAl SKETCHES OF 

in p.; Mr. B. d. in 1861 ; Mrs. B. now lives in Mayville, this 
comity. (3.) Jane E.: b. Nov. 5, 1815; m. Thomas Hill: 
settled in town of Chautauqua ; d. April 25, 18fi8. (4.) Samuel 
M.: b. Dec. 20, 1816 ; m. Orpha A. Wight ; lives in P. (5.) 
David : b. March 22, 1818 ; m. Juline Webster ; now Hves in 
Westfield, this county. (6.) Lauea: b. June 27, 1819; m. 
Joseph Odell in June, 1846 ; settled in Carroll, this county. 
(7.) Henky a.: b. Nov. 7, 1820; d. in the U. S. army at Jalapa, 
Mexico, Jan. 19, 1848. (8.) Louisa: b. March 3, 1822; m. 
Thomas Thompson; settled in P.; d. Aug. 31, 1852. (9.) 
Lucy: b. July ]0, 1823; m. Abram Correll ; settled in P.; d 
in 1872 ; (10.) Haeriet : b. Feb. 24, 1825 ; m. Darwin Holen- 
beck in 1871 ; settled in Oneida county, N. Y.; now lives on 
the Granger homestead in P. (11.) Lovisa: b. July 18, 1826 : 
m. Leonard Tisdale ; settled in Iowa. (12.) Juliette M.: b. 
Aug. 30, 1827 ; m. S. W. Davis ; settled in Chautauqua, this 
county. (13.) Maky Ann : b. July 29, 1829 ; d. Aug. 21, 1864. 
(14.) M.\bgaeet M.: b. Dec 20, 1830; m. Charles M Fellows; 
settled in Buffalo, N. Y. (15.) Alice W.: b. July 29, 1832; 
m. Oscar Hall ; settled and lives in P. (16.) Pamelia : b. Oct. 
30, 1835 ; m. Norman Goodsell ; settled in P.; now li^'es in 
Mayville, this county. 

23. DANIEL BARNES— Was b. in Connecticut Dec. 4. 
1763. The last three years of the Revolution he served in the 
Continental army. At the close of the war he m. Lucina 
King and removed to Vermont, where he lived until 1809. 
when he lost his farm from defective title He came to P. in 
the spring of 1810 and located all of lots 4 and 5 and part of 
lot 3, T. 5, land now owned by A B. Post, Sanford Martin and 
others. His article bears date March 29, 1810. His first 
house stood a few feet east of the house of Mr. Post In 1811 
he opened a tavern which he kept until some time after the war 
of 1^12. In 18o0 he built a new frame house, which, newly 
covered, was burned in Dec , 1864, and upon the ruins of which 
the house of Mr. Post now stands, on the central part of lot 
4, T. 5. He sold his land to settlers and about 1832 or '33 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 817 

sold his homestead He lived in town most of the time until 
his d., which occurred about 1854 Duiing the last years of 
his life he was entirely dependent upon public charity Mrs. 
Barnes d. some years earlier than her husband. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. — (1.) Fanny: b. in Vt. ; 
m. Samuel Perry, father of Oliver H. Perry ; Mr. P. d in 
1815, and his wife Feb. 14, 1822; Mrs. B. and Mrs Perry 
were bu. at Evergreen Cemetery ; Mr. B at Brocton. Mr. B. 
was a Methodist for many years, but in later life a Christian. 

24. PERRY HALL— Was the the son of Aaron, b. in 
Mass., and in early life emigrated to Springfield, Otsego Co., 
N. Y., Irom whence he came to P. in !810. He located pt. of 
lot 62, T. 4, upon which he built a log house. For reasons 
not known to the waiter he returned with his family to 
Otsego county ; but in 1816 or '17 he again came to P. and 
settled on pt. of lot o2, T. 4. He again changed to lot 52, T. 
4. He removed with a team of horses, and exjjerienced the 
usual vicissitudes of those making a home in the wilderness. 
It is stated "that often on the journey they were obliged to lay 
their two youngest childi'en down at the foot of a tree while 
with poles they pried their wagon out of the mud." Mr. Hall 
m. a dan. of Thomas Klumph, a native of Germany. He was a 
carpenter, millwright and farmer. He d. in P. Sept. 4th, 
1852, aged 67. .V|rs. H. d. Mar. 6th, 1864, aged t36. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hall. — 1)Dei,os, b. April 26th, 
1 807 ; m. Eimice Ely ; settled and now lives in P. on the Ely 
homestead. (2) Louisa, m. Brewer Hubbell. (3) Makt, m. 
Lawson T. Bigelow ; now lives in Minnesota. (4) Ferdinand, 
m. Louisa Ely ; settled in town of Chautauqua, where he d. 
(5) Perry, jun, m. Janette Sikes ; 2d Arvilla Armstrong ; d. 
June 29th, I860. (6) Henry, b. in P.; m. Sarah Newcomb. 
(7) Fanny, b. in P.; d. May 30th, 1825. (8) Hamilton, b. in P.; 
m. Louisa Shuff; settled in S. W. P. (D) Harriet, b. in P.; 
m. Stephen Vanscoy ; 2d Bennett Swetland. 

25. ANDREW KELSEY— Was the son of James and 
Catharine Brown Kelsey, and b. in Tyringham, Mass., May 



318 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

17th, 1789. In 181 1 he came to P., performing thfe joiirhey in 
eleven days on foot. Like most emigrants he was Under 
the necessity of exercising the strictest economy, and hiid in a 
supply of provisions to last him the entire journey. His capa- 
cious knapsack, strapped upon his shoulders, was lite the 
load that Pilgrim carried in his flight from the city of 
Destruction. His outlay in cash for the eleven days was 
sixty-eight cents. He returned the same season, but in 1812 
removed his family to P. and settled on pt. of lot 63, T. 4. 
He m. Elizabeth House, dau. of Dea. John House. Mr. and 
Mrs. K. lived on this and an adjoining farm until 1832, when 
he removed to Elm Flats where he lived until 1 8S1 ; after- 
ward living in the town of Westfield until his d.. May, 2 2d, 
1858. Mrs. K. d. Jan. 1 2th, 1864. Mr. K. was a man of strict 
honesty, and of great energy of character. 

JFamilt/ of Mr. and Mrs. Kelsey. — (1) John H., b. July 27th. 
1821 in P.; m. Philinda Vanguilder, Apr. 8th, 1847; lives 
in P. (2) Cathauink, b. July 21st, 1823; m. Emery L. Titus, July 
1st, 1847 ; lives in P. (3) James, b. Oct 7th, 1825. (4) Rhoda 
A., b. Sept. 23d, 1827. (5) Andreav, b. July 18th, 1829. (6) 
Mary E. b. June 16th, 1831 ; m. W. A. Crossgrove, Nov. 14th, 
1850; Mr. C. d. Oct. 18th, 1861 ; Mrs. C. lives in Westfield. 
(7) Malvina P.; b. Dec. 30th, 1833; m. H. B Crandall, Sept. 
2d, 1858 : lives in Brocton. (8) Abby N., b Jan. 24th, 1836. 
James, Andrew, Rhoda A. and Abby N. live upon the farm 
first settled by Mr. K. in P. 

26. AUGUSTINE KLUMPH— Was the son of Thomas 
K. and .Vlargaret Davis his wife, and was b. in the town and 
county of Otsego, N. Y., Jime 1.5th, 1768. He m. Sarah 
Simpson, Jan. 31st, 1795 Mrs K wash. Jan. ] 7th, 1778. 
They came to P. fi'om Springfield, Otsego county, in 1810, 
and settled on the piece of land now owned by Chester 
Muuson, N. j)t of lot 37, T. 5. His log house stood nearly 
on the ground now occupied by the dwelling of Mr. M^^n- 
son He lived upon this land luitil the death of Mrs. K. 
Apr. 5tli, iy28: after which he lived with his ch. until his 



THE TOWN OF POUTLAND. . 319 

own death, Jan. 16th, 1837. Mr. K. taught the first winter 
school in town, in winter of 1810-11. 

Jtaniily of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Thomas, b.in Otsego 
Co., Oct. 3d, 1796. He kept the first store in P. in 1817. 
He aftei-ward kept a tavern at various places in the county, 
and amongst them at the old McKenzie place in P. where 
his father d. He m. Polly Couch, dau. of Dea. Wm. Couch. 
Jan. 14th, 1821. Mrs. K. d. Apr. 28th, 1823. He m. 2d 
Eliza Eby in P. He removed to Illinois in 1837, where 
he opened a store and tavern, was elected a justice of the 
peace, and appointed postmaster. In 1848 he removed to 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he d. Dec. 15th, 1856. Mrs. K. d. 
Dec. 1855. (2) Hakkiet : b. Oct. 8th, 1800; m. Asa Andi-ews 
Oct. 20tli, 1821 ; settled on the homestead ; now lives in Pom- 
fret, this county. 

27. DAVID JOY.— "Old Capt. Joy" came to P. fi'om Ver 
mont in 1810. He built a log shanty in the woods near where 
the house of M. J. Munson now stands, on pt. of lot 33, T. 
5. He left this claim the next year, and returned to Ver- 
mont. Early in 1812, having removed his family to P. he 
rented the log tavern house of Wm. Berry, standing near 
where the house of Lincoln Fay now stands, on lot 25, 
T. 5, and continued the tavern. Within the next two or 
three months the house was burned, but a frame house 
was at once built and a public house continued. Early in 
1814, Mr. Joy and his son Moses erected a large fi'ame build- 
ing, on pt. of lot 1 9, T. 5, where the house of W- W. Pettit 
now stands, and opened it as a tavern. It was sold to 
Wm. Harris, sen., m 1817, and a double log house built on 
the N. pt. of the lot, where the house of H. A. S. Thomp- 
son now stands, and opened as a tavern. [See Taverns.] 
Sometime previous to 1831 the house now on the farm was 
built. In 1831 the farm was sold, and the farm now o wired 
by Linus Burton, S. of Brocton, S. pt. lot 13, T. 5, purchased. 
In 1837 Mr J removed to Michigan, where he d, many years 
since. Mrs. Joy d. in P. June 1 st, 1831, aged 69. Mr. Joy's 



320 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

aged father d. in P about 1816. As before hinted, Mr. 
Joy left his family in their home in Vt. until he could prepare 
for them a place in the wilderness, After building his 
shanty on lot 83, as stated, he fiu-nished it Avith a bed of 
straw in one comer on the bare earth, a brown earthen 
pan or two, a bowl of the same material, and one wooden 
spoon. Chairs or stools were of no account, and were not 
used, a block of wood answeiing every pvu'pose. A fire- 
place was built of two or three bowlders, in one comer, 
and an old blanket was hung np at the doorway. The inven- 
tory of cooking utensils was not large, including but one iron 
kettle. He purchased a small cow and turned her into the 
woods to browse ; a half bushel of corn meal and a pound 
or two of salt. After the labors of the day he would 
di'ive home his cow, secui'e her milk, and cook mush 
sufficient for his supper and two meals the next day. The 
mush and milk thus jj^'^P^-i'^d and eaten from his brown 
bowl with his wooden spoon he described as deUcious. 
On a certain occasion while at his work, his faithful cow 
came about the cabin, and finding the door easy of 
removal, pushed it aside and made her way into the best 
apartment the cabin afforded. A slight explorati<jn discov- 
ered to her the mush kettle, and cl liming an interest in 
the property of her master, she soon cleared it of its entire 
contents; then going to the bed of Mr. Joy very compla- 
cently laid herself down in it. When Mr. Joy came in 
for his dinner he was not a little surprised to find his mush 
kettle empty, and the intruder very quietly chewing her 
cud in his bed. He had not the heart to eject her rudely, 
but quietly di'ove her out, and took good care that she 
did not again thus deprive him of "his bed and board." 

Family of Mr. and Mrs Joy. — (1) Moses; m. Fatty Hill; 
settled in P.; but removed to Michigan in 1837, where he 

d. some years since. (2) Ezra ; m. ; for some time lived 

on N. pt. lot 25, T. 5 ; afterward removed west. (3) Dorrel ; 
never m.; went west with the family in 1837. 4)DiAH;m. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 321 

Sophia Everden; lived in P. for some years; eventually 
removing west, (o) Anna ; m. Asa Brooks ; lived on the 

lake si lore ; aftei-ward went west. (6) ; m James Wilder. 

[See Biog. Sketches No. 41.] (7) Polly; m. Wm. MUler. 

28. JEREMIAH POTTER.— Capt. Potter was the son of 
Jeremiah and Sarah Mathewson Potter, and was -b. in R. 
Island, Apr. 17th, 1765. He m. Polly Barnes, in Herkimer 
county, N. Y., Nov. 9th, 1799. Mrs. P. was h. in Mass., May 
l6th, 1777. They came to P. from Herkimer in the fall of 
1810. He pui'chased of Rufus Perry a claim to pt. of lot 33, 
T. 5, his article bearing date Sept. 3 that year. He occupied 
a log house on a little elevation S. of the residence of J. Bur- 
ban's. Early in 1812 he built the first frame house built in P. 
on or near the spot where the house of M. J. Munson now 
stands, but d. Aug. 12th the same year. He was bu. in Ever- 
green Cemeteiy ; the second man bu. tliere. Mrs. P. d. in 
Mayville, this county, Nov. 5th, 1815. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Potter. — (] )Hannah, b. Aug 10th, 
1800; m. Thomas Orton, Feb. 4th, 1827. Mr. O. d. m Nov. 
18.S1. Mrs. O. m. ,Wm. Ensign of Sheridan ; now lives there. 

(2) John, b. Jan. 14th, 1802 ; m. Delilah Crosby, dau. of Luther 
Crosby in 1823 ; d. in 111. Apr. 1867; Mrs- P. d. in P. in 1873. 

(3) Lewis, b. July 17th, 1804; m. Arvilla Gilbert in P. Jan. 
1832 ; lives in 111. (4) Jeijejiiah, b. May 8th, 1807 ; m. Cath 
arine Foote in Niagara county in 1888. (5) Angelike, b. June 
23d, 1809; m. Lutlier Clark, Jan. 29th, 1829; settled on lot 
29, T. 5 ; now lives in Wisconsin. (6) Maky Ann, b. in P. 
Sept. 28th, 1811 ; m. Frederick Goodrich in Sheridan, this 
coimty. Mr. G. d. in Wisconsin, and was bu. in Ripley this 
county. Mr. P. was not a religionist ; politically he was a 
Whig. 

29. DANIEL DODGE— Settled on N. pt. of lot 55, T. 4, in 
1810, and is said to have lived on lands now owned by S. M. 
Granger. Like many of the early settlers, be remained but 
a short time, a few years, and left for the west. 

30. CALVIN BARNES— Was the son of Comfort Barnes 



322 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

and Hannah Cook his wife, and was b. Nov. 7th, 1766, at Wes- 
ton, Mass. He came from Norway, Herkimer county, N. Y., 
to P. in Apr. 1811, and purchased a claim to E. pt. lot 33, T. 
5 ; cleared a few acres of land, planted it to corn, and built 
a log house, and removed his family in Sept- following. Mrs 
B. was b. in Voluntovvii, Conn., Mar. 3d, 1772- They occu- 
pied their log house until 1824, when the fi'ame house now on 
the farm and occupied by J. S- West, was built. Mr. B. was 
the first Postmaster appointed in town, and held the office 
until it was discontinued in 1829. He was in the war of 
i 812, and was wounded at the battle of Black Rock, a ball 
passing through the knee joint, rendering him a cripple for 
life. He was an antislavery man, but acted with the WTiig 
party. He was not a religious man. He was universally 
respected. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes — (1) Mollie, b. Oct. 28th, 
1793; d. May 5th, 1795. (2) Calvin jun., b. Nov. 7th, 1795 : 
d. in Austin, Miss., in Dec. 1852. He was in the war of 1812 
with his father ; went to Illinois in 1818 ; went to Alabama in 
] 823 or '24, and afterward to Miss, as a surveyor. (3) Lydia, 
b. Jan. 17th, 1798 ; m. Nathaniel Fay July 17th, 1815 ; settled 
in P.; d. Sept. 4th, 1872. (4) Anna, b. Sept. 3d, 1^00; m. 
.James Andrews in P. Sej)t. 1818 ; d. at Marengo, 111., Aug. 1873. 
(5) Maria, b. May 1st, 1803 ; m. Martin Coney in P. in Nov. 
1823 ; now lives at Elgin, 111. (G) Rachael, b. Nov. 1 7th, 1805; 
d. Sept. 24th, 1822. (7) Fatim\, b. Dec. 26th, 1807 ; m. J. S. 
West Feb. 4th, 1 827 ; settled in P.; d. upon the old homestead 
in 1872. (8) Robekt K., b. Apr. lOth, 1810 ; m. Mercelia West 
in Sept. 1832 ; d. in Brocton in Sept. 1849 ; bu. iu Evergreen 
Cemetery. (^9) Lucy, b. Apr. 23, 1812; m. Martin Quigley, 
Jan. 26th, 1 833 ; now lives in Missouri. 

31. WILLIAM BERRY— Came to Smclairville this county 
with Maj. Samuel Sinclair, from Madison county this state, in 
March or October of 1810. In 1811 he came to P. and pui- 
chased the Nathan Fay Farm of 24(3 acres, W. pt. of lot 25, 
T. 5, now occupied in pt. by Lincoln Fay. He opened a tav- 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 323 

em that year, but in 1812 rented it to David Joy, and returned 
to Madison county. He was an active, energetic man, was 
once sheriff of that county and afterward a member of the 
Legislature. 

32. WILDER EMERSON— Was the son of Nathaniel and 
Dolly Derbin Emerson, and was b. in the town of Stodard, 
Chesliire Co., N. H., Apr. 23d, 1780. In ISOI he removed to 
Cortland county, N. Y., where he m. Ruth House, dau. of 
John House. In 1812 he removed to P. and in Sept. settled 
on the N. pt. of lot 55, T. 4, land now owned by S. M. Granger 
and A. Lilly. He remained here fourteen years, building in 
the time a frame house and barn. In P^eb. 18 1 8, Mrs. E. d. 
In Feb. 1819, Mr. E. m. Lydia Ballard. In 1826 he removed 
to Westfield, this county, and in 1S45 to Spartansburg, Pa., 
where he d. Oct. 28th, 1S65, aged 84. His wife d. Nov. 21st, 
1*<58, aged 83. Mr E was a Congregationalist ; and politically 
a Wliig. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but excused. 
In getting to his land Mr. E. took advantage of the old road 
way in school dist. No. 3, traversed by human beings possibly 
a thousand years ago. It is still occupied as a roadway. 

Family of 3fr: and Mrs. JtJmerson — (I) John H., b. in Solon 
N. Y., Feb. 19th, 1811 ; m. Hem-ietta Willet, Apr. 26th, 1835, in 
Ontario county, this state; settled in Sj)artansburg-, Pa. (2) 
Sarah H. b. May 24th, 1813, in P.; m. Sylvester Taylor of 
Sheridan this county. May 5th, 1836 ; settled in Spartans- 
burg, Pa. (3) William H, b. in P. Sept. 8th, 1814 ; left home 
in 1833, supposed to be d. (4) Betsf.y, b. in P. July 22d, 1816, 
m. Asaph Walling of Sheridan this county, in 18'^6 ; went to 
Illinois and d. there in 1848. 

33. MOLLIS FAY— Was the son of Nathaniel, and b. in 
Westbury, Mass., April 10, 1793. He came to P. in 1811 in 
company with his brotlier Elijah. He first articled the lot of 
land on which the east portion of Brocton is situated, N W. 
p't of lot 13, T. 5, but in 1815 sold to Moses Sage and 
articled p't of lot 42, T. 5, m the N. W. corner of the town. 
For three years he lived alone in a small log cabin, the stones 



324 HISTORICAL SKETCHES 01' 

oi the chimney of which are still to be seen In 1818 lie 
returned to Mass., m. Phebe Mixer, dau. of Eaymond Mixer, 
on June 16. Mi-s F. was b. in Mass. Jan. 21, 1793. They at 
once started for their home in the west with an ox team and 
covered wagon. Their wagon was their sleej^ing apartment 
and the roadside their kitchen and dining room. The journey 
lasted six weeks. They lived upon their farm luitil 1851 when 
they removed to Concord, Erie Co., Pa., where Mr. Fay d. July 
27, 1868. Mrs. Fay d. there the l9tli of Oct. following. They 
were bu. in W. & P. U. Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Fay were 
members of the West Baptist church. Mr. F. was a whig and 
afterward a republican, and never failed of voting at an election 
fi'om the time he was old enough to vote. He was a brother of 
Elijah, Elisha and Nathaniel. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Fay. — They had a family of three 
cli., one only surviving infancy, Roxana E., who was b. Dec. 
20, 1822 ; m. Edmund ElHs Sept 18, 184'-' ; Mx. EUis d. Oct 
6, 1857 ; Mrs. Ellis now lives at Concord. 

34. ELIJAH FAY— Was the son of Nathaniel and Ruth 
Rice Fay, and was b. in Southborough, Mass., Sept. 9, 1781. 
He m. Lucy Belknap of Westborough, Jan. 20, 1807. Mrs. 
Fay was b. Dee. 1. 1785. They came to P. in the fall of 18! 1. 
The experience of Mr. and Mrs. Fay — leaving their home in 
New England and seeking a home in the western wilds — is so 
truthful and so well sets forth the e;?^perience of so many others 
that it is inserted as furnished by Mrs. Fay and others of the 
family, together with many incidents of eai'ly life in P. "They 
came to P. in a wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen and one horse, 
and were forty --one days on the road. Tearful and sad was the 
good-bye of loved ones, for the Holland Purchase was thought 
to be beyond the jDossibility of a return. Prayers and the 
blessings of endeared friends followed them. Last, but not 
least, was the early call of the aged father of Mrs. Fay. He 
came bearing a Bible, his last and i^arting gift to a loved 
daughter. He spoke kindly, comforting words, and in humblo 
faith as he traveled on beside the wagon to an adjoining town. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 325 

reluctant to bid the final adieu. But it must come ; the heart 
must yield its treasure to the stern realities of frontier life and 
retiu'n to its place to rest in the hope of a future meeting in 
other and better climes. Their household goods and farming 
implements were packed into the strong, well-built wagon that 
boasted no sj^ring seatt, but in place the well filled ' old red 
chest ' did service. Their slow, plodding ox team drew its 
slow length along until Bufialo was reached, and in due time 
Canadaway, and soon Portland, the Eldorado of their hopes, 
and the comforts of a ' lodge in some vast wilderness ' were 
gratefully received and appreciated." Mi\ Fay had located the 
whole of lot 20, T. 5, — 179 acres, — his article bearing date May 
10, 1811. His deed fi-om the Holland Company bears date 
May 10, 1820. The price paid for the lot was $547.97. No 
road had as yet been laid out through that part of the town 
and ]Mi\ Fay reached his purchase by a path across the now 
farms of Chester Skinner and Linus Burton. The first log 
house was occupied on the first of January, 1812. It stood 
west of the house now on the farm, was without a door or 
window for a time, a blanket answermg the place of the former 
against which a barrel was set at uight. The pantry was but 
a single shelf against the logs. There was no chimney but a 
hole in the roof for the smoke. Chairs were not introduced for 
about three years, but ui theii- place stools were used made of 
slabs split from a tree, hewed out with an ax and into which 
three legs were fitted by means of an auger. Kettles were 
suspended over the fire by a chain fastened to a pole overhead. 
Within a year a better house was built, the old one converted 
into a barn and the space between the two closed up for a 
threshing floor. Three years later another house was built 
which the family occupied until 1831 when the house now on 
the farm was built. •' The land was thickly covered with trees 
over the whole town except the patches of clearing here and 
there. Roads were few and bridges among the things yet 
to be. No churches were formed or houses of worship erected. 
For many years when the settlers assembled for worship it was 



326 msTOEicAi, sketches of 

at some private dwelling. Under other circumstances it might 
have been amusing to watch the people assemble for worship. 
Much greater pains were taken to get to meeting than now. 
They would come for miles around, some on foot, some 
on horseback, mothers riding with their little ones behind 
them, some with ox sleds and some on ^7^M<:? boats. But their 
worship was none the less sincere. Now and then 'Lo ! the poor 
Indian,' with a sad look, might be seen stealing a longing, 
lingering look at his much loved but now lost hunting grounds. 
The deer and lawless bear still disputed the right of posses- 
sion. Many were the trying scenes grandmother passed 
through before becoming accustomed to frontier Hfe and 
troublesome neighbors. Occasionally we get a glimpse of 
their early doings, for at times some incident will come into 
her mind and she will di-op her knitting to relate it. Shopping 
then, she says, was not mere pastime but a stern matter of 
fact and necessity. Going to the store was not a matter of 
every day occurrence. On such a day the work must be done 
up at an early hoiu* and all things placed in order for leaving. 
The horse would be brought to the door, on which the woman 
would be seated with a little one and perhaps two, taken along 
for safe keeping. In this condition a ride of from seven to ten 
miles was necessary to procure the articles needed. It occupied 
a whole day and was the hardest day of the year. So for a 
friendly visit this was the usual mode of conveyance. These 
visits were a luxury. It did not matter if the social meal was 
partaken of from off the lid of the family chest as a substitute 
for a table, it was as good and perhaps better than some others 
in better circumstances. Grandmother says that the most 
delicious teas she ever enjoyed were those when all had to be 
prepared while visiting. The molasses or maple sugar cake 
was baked before the fii'e and a pumpkin pie in the spider. 
She says : ' You don't know how well you can get along if 
you only think so. After I came out here I was dress-maker, 
tailoress and milliner ; and such bonnets ! well, they were all 
right then. What a job I had to make the first coat. Where 





^^'^^ 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



327 



to commence I did not know, but it must be done, and in due 
time it was finished, pressed and called a coat. The next time 
a similar garment was needed I exchanged works with a 
neighbor, she making the coat and I braiding straw sufficient 
for her a bonnet, not a sham top piece but a capacious covering 
for the head, requiring a hitndi'ed yards of fine seven strand 
braid. I lived in constant fear for a year or more, with no 
neighbors nearer than a mile and no roads but a winding foot 
path. This fear was in no sense diminished by the presence 
of the tracks of bears and other wild animals near our door 
nearly every morning. In fact an old bear at one time carried 
away a pig from our yard in the daytime. The Indians were 
a constant teiTor to me. The first that visited oui- shanty so 
frightened me that I left everything and with my child under 
my arm ran a mile through the woods to the nearest neighbor, 
but to be told when I got there that I was foolish. But after 
a while my fears subsided and I enjoyed my life in the forest 
as well as I could so far from my early home and friends.' " The 
above incidents, fiu'nished me by the family, are given not as 
anything peculiar in the history of the family of Mi'. Fay but as 
setting forth as well the experience of all the early settlers. The 
hospitality of Mi', and Mrs. Fay in early as well as after life was 
proverbial. No traveler was ever sent on his way unfurnished. 
More or less this was a characteristic of all the early settlers. 
Ml-. Fay was a tarmer. He was not in the war of 1812, but 
furnished a substitute by the name of Huram Haines, paying 
him a bounty of $30. Mr. and Mrs. Fay were members of the 
Baptist church in P., luiiting in Oct. 1819. For many years 
Mr. Fay held the office of deacon in the church. In politics he 
was republican. The west portion of the village of Brocton 
is situated upon lands sold by him at various times to facilitate 
the settlement of the town and village. He was much in town 
office in those early years. It is scarcely possible to conceive 
of a man more prompt and methodical m all his business 
transactions. His old account book is a perfect diary of facts, 
events and dates. A few are here presented, not merely to 



328 • HISTOIUCAI, SKETCHES OF 

show the character of the man in tliis particular, but the various 
shifts and modes of traticing the early settlers were obliged to 
resort to : 

Nov. 17, 1812. — Ehsha did begin to take newspapers 
with me. Dec. 7, 1 813, I did begin to take newspapers. Dec. 
30, 1814, I paid Mr. Haines $30 in full for his son Hui'am 
going as a substitute for me a-soldiering as a volunteer. Oct. 
28, 18i(j, HoUis went to cut a road to his lot. Aug. 25, 1M17. 
then Hollis and Elijah did begin upon the saw-mill. Nov. 2l, 
1818, Henry De Long moved into my house at the lake lot. I 
have agreed with him to chop for me a certain piece of woods, 
supposed to be four or five acres ; to chojD it fit for logging for 
eight dollars per acre, or that worth in produce, or he take a 
cow in part pay. June 9 or 10, 1823, I agreed with Chester 
Skinner to build me a corn barn 1 6 hy 20 feet and finish it for 
use. The pay is as follows : I am to pay 20 lbs. of salt pork 
wlien the building is finished. I am to let him have a 
small black cow, two dollars in money and forty-five apple trees 
more ; the work to be done by the 10th of Oct. next. 

Thus every transaction is recorded and much of it very 
minute. Mr. Fay d. Aug. 23, 1860, and was bu. in the grounds 
at Brocton which were donated by him for burial purposes in 
1 820. Mi's. Fay d. Jan. 1 7, 1 872, and was bu. by her husband. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs Fay. — (1.) Clinton Snow : b. in 
Mass. June 25, 181 0; m. Almira A. Clark Feb. 1 3, 1842: 
settled and still lives on a pyrtion of the old homestead. He 
is a deaf mute from disease in early life. (2.) Lydia E.: b. in P. 
May 28, 1815; m. Lawrence F. Ryckman Aug. 27, 1833: d. 
July 22, 1873 ; bu. at Brocton. (3 ) Joseph B.: b. in P. May 
17, 1817 ; m. Maria M. Sage, dau. of Isaac Sage, Oct. 8, 1837 ; 
2d, Martha Haywood March 15. 1843 ; settled on a portion of 
the old homestead, but in 1872 sold out and now lives in 
Topeka, Kansas. 

35. WILLIAM HUTCHINS— Came to P. from Otsego Co., 
N. Y., in 1810. His article bears date May 10, that year, for 
the W. p't lot 29, T. 5. July 2, 1811, he articled p't of lot 
41, T. 5, farm now owned by David Granger. He lived on this 
farm until 1815 when he sold to Moses Joy and removed to 
^Vestfield, where he Hved until 1836 when he went to Ohio. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



329 



Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hutcfmis. — Your only of the ch. 
are remembered, viz.: (1,) Asenath, (2,) Lorenzo, (3,) Samuel, 
(4,) Calvin. 

3(). JOHN QUIGI.P:Y— Was the son of Robert and NeUie 
Q., and was b. in Queens Co., Ireland, Oct. 19, i767. He m. 
Sarah E. Ahl at Schenectady, N. Y. Mrs. Q. was b. in Vermont 
March 10, 1779. They emigrated to P. from Schoharie county 
in 181] and settled on p't of lot 30, T. 5, farm now owned by 

Mrs. Mericle. He lived in a small frame house on the 

south road, south of the house now on the farm. In 
1829 he built the stone house now on the premises. The first 
stake and cap fence made in town was made on this farm m 
1836 by Jason Webster. In 1835 he sold to Samuel Townsend 
and after a few years removed to Arkwright, in this county, 
and from there to Mclvean, Ei'ie county, Pa., where he d. April 
13, 1863. Mrs. Q. d. in Ai-kwright Dec. 20, 1839. 

Mr. Quigley was a Roman Catholic ; politically a Democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Quigley. — (1) Eleanor: b. Jan. 
25, 1799; d. July 27, 1857. (2,) Elizabeth: b. Sept. 17. 
1800: m David Kurd; d. May 23d, 1869. (3)Fanny, b. June 
nth, 1802 ; m. Stephen Palmer; d. Oct. 18th, 1841. (4) Rob- 
ert, b. July nth, ]804; m. Obedience Everts; d. Oct. 16th, 
1834. (5) Polly, b. Aug. 19th, 1806; d. Apr. 12th, 1824. (6) 
John, b. Aug. 19th, 1808: m. Amanda Brainard ; still living. 
(7) Nancy, b. July 5th, 1810: d. July 19th 1811. (8) Martin, 
b. Jan. 7th, 1811 : m. Lucy Barnes : still living. (9) James, b. 
Dec. 1813; m. 1 st Lovina Brainard : 2d Clarissa Harris; d. 
in P. May 30th. 1852. (10) Nanoy, b. Aug. 1 1th, 1814 ; m. Rev. 
Albina Hall of the M. E. church; still living. (11) Henry, b. 
Mar. 5th. 1815. (12) Harkiet, b. Mar. 7th, 1819: m. Justus 
Beebe; still living. (13) Thomas, b. Apr. 14th, 1822: d. 
Sept. 18 th, 1826. 

37. JONATHAN BURCH— Was tlie son of Jonathan .and 
Eunice Burch, and was b. in the to^Ti of Wells, Vt., in 1 766. 
He m. Sally Hosford in Vt. in i 786. Mrs. B. was b. in Vt. in 
1766. Soon after m. he removed to Herkimer coiinty, N. Y., 



330 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

and some years later to Chenango county. In 1811 he visited 
the Purchase, and in Jan. 1813 removed to P. with his family 
and effects, with an ox team and stout wooden sled. He set- 
tled on lot 62, T. 4, farm now owned by his son Oliver W. He 
built his log house with a shake roof, in which he lived until 
1825, when he built a frame house. The people of the town, with 
those of other towns, suffered many privations and were often 
without the means of sustaining life. This was no casual 
occurrence. During the war of 1812 very few were engaged 
clearing land, but after its close the sound of the ax was 
again heard and the effect was soon manifest. Every settler 
worked with a will, though his larder was the forest and no 
bread came to his table. "Loggings were the order of the 
day, and among the rest my father made one and invited 
many, all that could well be reached. Peter Kane was among 
the happy guests, coming early, before dinner. Our bill of 
fai'e was scanty enough, and some one, feeling a little mortified, 
began making excuses for oui' entire want of meat. 'Make 
no excuses,' said Mr. K., 'we had no bread for breakfast. 
A neighbor with a large family ran out of provisions and 
started out one day for bread or com, but found none. 
Happily for him he thought, he foimd a keg of whisky, brought 
it home and told his family to live while it lasted." A son of 
Mr. B. was in the war of 1812, at Buffalo. Mr. B. raised a large 
family of ch. all of whom were b. in Warren, Herkimer coimty, 
except the youngest, who was b. in Guilford, Chenango 
county. Mr. B. d. on the lot where he settled Apr. 4th, 1838. 
Mrs. B. d. there also, in Oct. 1845. They were bu. in the W. 
& P. U. Cemetery. 

Family of Mr. mid Mrs. Bitrch. — (1) Eunice; m. He- 
man Ely; settled in Dunkirk in 1 8 1 2 ; came to P. in 1815. 
(2) Olive, m. Zeri Yale in Guilford ; yet living there. (3) 
Jonathan, b. in 1793 ; m. Mariah Yale; lives near Lakeport, 
Mich. (4) Powell G., b. in 1795 ; m. Lovina Palmer in Guil- 
ford, in Jan. 1822; lives in Brooklin, Pa (5) Polly; b. in 
1797 ; m. Jared Taylor in P. about 1814 ; both d. (6) Sallv, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



331 



b. in 1709; m. Erastus Cole of Dunkirk ; Mr. C. is d.; IVIrs. 
. C. is still living. (7) Oliveu W., b. in J 801 ; m. Mary S. Tower 
of P.; Mar. 8th, 182(j. Mrs. B. d. Mar. 2d, 1851 ; Mr. B. m. 
Amanda Sunderlin of Westfield, Nov. 30th, 1854; now lives 
in NVestfield; (8) Chauncey, b. Apr. 27th, 1803; m. Nancy 
Cole of Dunkirk in 1 825 ; now lives in Erie county, Pa. (9) 
Matilda, b. Sept. 8th, 1805; d. in P. Apr. 1822; bu. in W. 
& P. U. Cemetery. (10) Stephen S., b. June 18th, 1807; a 
bachelor ; lives in Chenango county. 

38. JOSEPH GIBBS— In 1812 settled on pt. of lot U, T. 
o. N. of Brocton ; and in 1 821 on pt. of lot 42, T. 5, near the 
farm of Hollis Fay. He was a farmer and spinning wheel 
maker. Such wheels were then much in x\se by the wives 
and daughters of the settlers, but tliey have become nearly 
obsolete. What became of Mr. G. is not known. 

39. CHESTER BUSHNELL— Came from Rome, Oneida 
Co., N. Y., to P. in the spring of 181 2, and settled on pt. of 
lot 53, T. 4, farm now owned by Wm. Arnold. He m. Polly 
McNitt, in Rome, in :815. [le left town in 1820. His 
article bears date Apr. 15th, 181 2. 

40. SANFORD HAINES— Was a native of Dutchess Co., 
N. Y. He m. Hannah Gould, and in 1809 or ' 1 removed to 
Guilford, Chenango Co. He removed to P. with his large 
family in Jan 181 'J, in company with Jonathan Biuch. He 
settled on pt. of lot 62, T. 4, land previously located by 
Leonard Vibbard. Mr. and Mrs. H. d. here, and were bu. in 
W. & P. IT. Cemetery. Mr. H. was in the war of 1812 ; also 
a son as a substitute for Elijah Fay. He was not a religionist 
of any form ; in politics Avas a Clintonian. 

Family of Mr. atid Mi's. Haines. — Were all b. in Dutchess 
Co., and were named as follows: (1) Rachel, (2) Sophia, (3) 
Hiram, (4) Luoy", (5) Huram, (G) Samuel, (7) Rebecca, (8) James. 
The last named now lives at North East Pa 

41. JAMES WILDER.— Nothing ^ known of the early 
history of Mr. W. He settled on S. E. pt. of lot 19, T. 5, 
farm now known as the Judson farm, in 1812 or '13. He 



332 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

m. a dau. of Capt. David Joy In 1818 he sold his claim 
to Lyman Doolittle, and in company with another family, 
name not now remembered, built a boat upon Chautauqua 
lake, in which the two families embarked expecting to 
reach the lead mines of Illinois in the course of the season. 
After jiassing safely as far as Marietta on the Ohio river, 
then but a point amidst the wilds of an almost unbroken wil 
derness, some of the voyagers sickened with fever and were 
conveyed on shore for better care and safet3% but only to 
d. and find their last resting place within the solitudes of 
the forest. Others soon followed, and before they were able 
to proceed nearly one half of the original company of 
fifteen or sixteen persons were laid side by side and left in 
the kindly embrace of nKjther earth. The balance, after a 
month's delay, proceeded on their way and eventually reached 
their destination. 

' 42. HIRAM FISH— Was the son of Nathan Fish, and 
came to P. fi"om Oneida county, N. Y., in 1813. His moth 
er's name was Sarah Hendricks. She was b. in Providence. 
R. I., and d. in Stockton, this county. Mr. Fish, like most 
settlers, came on foot. He articled pt of lot 54, T. .5, built 
a cabin of poles, cleared and sowed to Avheat a few acres, and 
returned to Oneida county. In Apr. 1814 he came again to P.. 
sold his claim, and bought a pt. of lot 53, where he has ever 
since lived. Mr. F. is protest ant in religious belief; politically 
a Republican. 

43. HENRY ABELL— Was the son of Capt. Thomas Abell 
and Eunice Griswold Abell, and was b. in Bennington Vt., 
in 1777. He m. Mary C. Abell, dau. of Elijah and Mary C. 
Abell, at Bennington, in 1794 He emigrated to Mayville this 
county, in 1810, and to P. in 1814. He purchased the farm 
now owned in pt. by Lincoln Fay. pt of l-^t 25, T. 5, and 
kept a tavern in the house built by David Joy in 1812. In 
1815 he removed to Ffedonia, fi'om Fredonia to Westfield, 
this county, and after some years to Illinois, where he d. 
Mav 30th, 1 853. Mrs. Abell d. there also. Oct. 9th, 1 S4o. Mr. 



THE TOWN OF PORTI.AND 



333 



A. was a soldier from Mayville in tlie war of 1812. He was a 
member of the M. E. church, uniting at VVestfield in 1828. 
PoHtically he was a Whig. » 

I^amily of Mr. and Mrs. Abell. — (1) Almiha ; b. in Vt. in 
] 796 ; m. Stephen Prendergast of Ripley, this county, July, 
1815. Mr. P. d. in 1852, aged 59. Mrs. P. is still living in 
Ripley. (■-', 3, 4,) Fkanklin, Heney and Mosley, b. in Vt.; all 
fell sick in childhood and d. within fifteen days. (,5) Laura, 
b. in Vt. in 1804; m. Asa Farnsworth in 1821 ; settled in 
Westtield, this county ; in 1888 removed to tlhicago, 111.; 
returned to Westfield in 1847. Mr. F. was for several years 
proprietor of the ''Westfield House." (6) Frankijn, b. in Vt. 
Sept. 1st, 1806 ; m. Emily Bradley, Dec. 7th, 1830, at Westfield; 
removed to Roscoe, 111., in 18;^7 ; and to Petahima, California, 
in 1857. Mrs. Abell d. in California, Jan. 17th, 1865. (7) 
Sidney, b. in Vt. in 1 809 ; m. Martha J. Lowry at Springfield. 
111., in 1842; settled in Chicago. He was postmaster in that 
city under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren. He d. in 
Auburn, Oregon, in 1863. His widow is still living at Spring- 
field. 111. (8) Rai.imi M. P. b. at Mayville this county in 1811; 
m. Alma Walker at Ashtabula, Ohio, in 1 843 ; d. at Chicago, 
111., in 18()4 ; Mrs. A. is still living at Chicago. 

44. CEPHAS BRAIN ARD— Was the son of Samuel, and b. 
in Conn. Jan. 24, 1788. He removed to Herkimer county, 
N. Y., when a boy. He m. PoUy Crosby March 1 0, 1 808. Mrs- 

B. was b. Nov 22. 1789, and was sister of Luther C'rosby, an 
early settler of P. He emigrated to P. in the fall of 1 814 ; 
settled on the N. i)art of lot 29, T. 5, farm now owned and 
occuj^ied V)y A. T. Mead, l^pon this purchase he built a log 
house which w:is occupied by the family the following winter. 
In 1825 or '26 he purchased a piece of land of James Dunn on 
the opposite side of the road and erected the house now on 
the farm and occuj)ied by Mr. Mead. Mr. B. was a farmer and 
in after years a cattle dealer, driving to the BuiFalo or Toronto 
markets ; probably the first dealer of that class of any note in 
town. In 1 836 he removed to Ai'kwright, in this county ; in 



334 HISTORICAT, SKKTCHES OF 

1852 to McKean, Erie county, Pa., and in 1865 to DeKalb Co., 
ni., where he d. July 9, 1868.. Mrs. B. d. Feb. 1, 1868. Mr. 
B. was a TJniversalist ; politically a whig, American and through 
the war of 1861 a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and 3Trs. Brainard. — (1) Lovina: b. April 8, 
1810 ; m. James Quigley in P., 1838 : settled in P.; d. Jan. 28, 
1847. (2) Amanda: b. Sept. 27, 1811 ; m. John Quigley March 
3, 1831 ; settled in P. (3) Aktamese : b. Dec. 30, 1813 ; d. Aug. 
24, 1815. (4) Orrin: b. in P. March 1, 1816 ; m., 1st, Mary 
Ann Fay March 1 , 1 841 : 2d, Caroline Lamont ; settled in 
Pomfret; afterward in P. (5^ Alvin : b. May 11, 1818; d. 
Dec. 8, 1889. (6) Levi: b. July 2, 1820; m. E. Andrews in 
1844; settled in Blinois. (T) Asa: b. May 28, 1823; m. 
Lovina Davis ; settled in Pomfret ; (8) Jackson : b. March 27. 
1826 ; m. Euphemia Wilson ; settled in Arkwright. (9) Anson : 
b. Oct. 26, 1829; m.in 111. and settled there; d. Dec. 12, 1861. 
in Missomi ; a soldier in Fremont's army. (10) Polly Ann ; 
b. March 10, 1833; m. I. P. Merrills: settled in Pomfi^et. 

45. SYLVESTEE CHURCHIIX— Was the son of John 
and Martha Baldwin Churchill, and was b. in Huberton, 
Rutland coimty, Vt., Oct. 7, 1 788. Fie m. Theodosia House, dau- 
of Dea. John House, in Cortland county, N. Y., Jan. 9, 1816. 
Mrs. C. was b. in Homer, Cortland county, in 1 795. Sylvester 
and John, his bro., came to P. in 1814 and purchased p't of lot 
38, T. 5, — 114 acres, — land now owned by E. P. Wilson and 
Dea. A. L. Blowers. In the spring of 1815 Mi-. C. came to P., 
built a log house on the south end of his purchase, cleared a 
few acres, raised a crop of corn and returned. In Feb., 1816,, 
he removed his family in company with David House. The 
goods of botli families were packed upon a single wagon and 
drawn by an ox team. The hardy energy of the pioneer 
women was in some sense manifested in the wives of these two 
emigrants, in that they walked nearly the whole distance in the 
midst of winter from the Genesee river to P. Mr. C. sold his 
farm in 1826 and bought the N. p't of lot 62, T. 4, which he 
sold in 1835 to .Tared Taylor and removed to Ohio. He is now 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 335 

living at Munson, Geauga county, that state. Mrs. C. d. there 
May 26, 1850. Mr. C. was a member of the first Congrega- 
tional church formed in town. In early life he was a democrat, 
but now a republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Churchill. — (1) Josiaii : b. Nov. 1, 
1816 ; m.Eimice Morris Aj^r. 1839 ; settled in Franklin, Ohio ; d. 
there Oct. 6, 1851. (2) Okville S.: b. Oct. 11, 1818; m. Sarah 
Vanauken May 1 5, 1842 ; settled in Charden, Ohio. (3) Daniel: 
b. July 16, 1820; m. Julia A. House in 1841 ; settled in P.; 
now Hves on lot 62, T. 4 (4) Levi: b. Dec. 21, 1822; m. 
Sally A. Hinkston Oct. 8, 1851 ; settled in Munson, Ohio. (5) 
Martha: b. Jan. 4, 1826; m. Ira Warner March 4, 1847; 
settled in Viola, Minnesota. (6) Mary : b. May 11, 1827 ; 
m. Moses Clapp Feb. 23, 1848 ; settled in Olmsted county, 
Minnesota. 

46. JOHN CHURCHILL— Was a bro. of Sylvester [No. 45] 
and b. at Huberton, Vt., April 15, 1787. He m. Mary House 
in 1813. Mrs C, was probably b. in New Jersey, as her 
parents came from that state. Mr. and Mrs. C. came to P. in 
May or June, 1816, from Homer, Cortland county, N. Y., and 
settled on laud located by him and his brother in 1814. Mr 
C. occupied the west j)ortion of the piu'chase. This land was 
first located by P. Kane in 180(). He occupied a log house 
with a fi'ame addition until 1851. when he sold and removed to 
Erie county, this state, where he d. April 11, 1854. Mrs. C. 
d. Nov. 5, 1834, and Mi-. C. m. in 1835 Olive Riunsey, who d. 
Sept. 7, 1861. Mr. C. was a Congregationalist ; in early life 
he was a democrat but later a whig. The house now upon the 
farm was built by Dea. Dana Chui'chill in' 1855. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Churchill. — (1) Phebe: b. in 
Homer, N. T., in 1815; m. Hamilton Cherry; settled in Erie 
county, N. Y.; still living. (2) Martha M.: b. in P. in 1818 ; 
d. in 1826. 

Mr. C, his two wives and his dau. were bu. in W. & P. U. 
Cemetery. 

47. HEMAN ELY.— Was the son of Simeon and Margai-et 

13 



336 HISTORICAT. SKETCHES OF 

Burch Ely. He m. Emma Bui'ch in Warren, Herkimer county, 
N. Y., and came to Dunkirk, this county, in Feb., 1810, driving 
his team from Buffalo over the ice of the lake. In the spring 
of 1816 he removed to P. and settled on p't of lot 62, T. 4, 
occupying a log house, to which a frame addition was built 
some years later. This land was first located by Perry Hall 
in 1810. Mrs. Ely d. here Nov. 17, 1844, aged 56. Mr. Ely 
d. Dec. 2, 1868, aged 85. They were bu. in W. & P. Union 
Cemetery. Mr. Ely was in the war of 1812. Politically he 
was a whig. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Ely. — (1) Eunice: b. in Herkimer 
county, this state ; m. Delos Hall ; lives on the Ely homestead. 
(2) Sally : b in Dunkirk, this county ; m. Hiram Ai'nold ; 
settled in P.; still living. (3) Louisa: b. in Dunkirk; m 
Ferdinand Hall ; settled in town of Chautauqua ; still living 
(4) Margaret: b. in P.; m. Bushrod Goodwin; settled in P.; 
lives now in town of Westfield. (5) Jane ; b. in P.; d. in 
Westfield March 12, 1839, aged 19 years. 

48 SAMUEL GEEK— Came to Canadaway from Oneida 
county, N. Y., as early as 1806, and to P. in 1814 or '15. He 
located the N. p't of lot 8, T. 5, near the N. E. corner of the 
town, where he lived until 1 830 when he sold to James Gold- 
smith. The farm is now owned by Alvaro Wilson. His wife 
was Barnes. They were m. in Oneida county. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Geer. — (1) Cybus, (2) Samuel, (3) 
Esther, (4) Lucy, (5) Alanson, (6) Henry, (7l Franklin, (8) 
Sally Ann, (9) Francis. Esther and Lucy were residents of 
P'redonia for many years and will be remembered by the older 
citizens as milliners and dressmakers from 1827 to the day of 
their deaths, Esther dying Sept 6, 1869, aged 73. Little is 
known of the balance of the family. Mr. G. d in Fredonia 
Jan. 7. 1860, aged 99 years. 

49. GILLETT BACON— Settled on a part of lot 40, T. 5 (land 
now owned by Samuel Caldwell) soon after the close of the war 
of 1812, in which he served as an officer. He was a man well 
educated, of good business capabilities, and " occupied the best 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 337 

house in that section of the town." After a few years he 
seemed to discover that clearing land was not congenial to his 
tastes ; sold out and removed to Lockport, Niagara county, when 
the Erie canal was being built ; went into trade and a few years 
later became the most wealthy merchant in the town. 

50. SILAS DINfSMOKE— Camefi-om New Hampshire to P. 
on foot in the fall of 1816. He was a little eccentric in some 
resj^ects, but an aocomplished scholar. He taught school in P. 
in the winter of 1816-'1V in the log schoolhouse standing in 
fi"ont of the residence of J. S. West, on lot 34, T. 5. The 
following winter he taught in Canadaway, and fi'om there went 
to Alabama and was in the service of the government as a 
surveyor for three years. He was a member of the legislature 
of that state for several years but eventually emigrated to 
Texas, where he d., but at what time is not known. \^/See 
Early School Teachers.'] 

5 1 . ASA BROOKS. — Mr. Brooks claimed to have been the 
first white child b. in Buffalo, N. Y. He disputed with a good 
deal of energy the claim to this hoi or with a daughter of Asa 
Ransom, who was afterward the wife of F. B. Merrill of Cheek- 
towaga. Mrs. Merrill is claimed to have been the first white 
child b. in all that region outside the walls of fort Niagara. 
Of the facts the writer has no means of knowing. Mr. Brooks 
was in Canada at the opening of the war of 1812, but soon 
returned and enlisted in the U. S. army. Towards the close 
of the war he was wounded in both arms. He came to P. in 
1815, m. Anna, dau of David Joy, and for several years 
carried the mail between Buffalo and Erie on horseback. He 
purchased fifty acres of land of Elijah Fay, p't lot 40, T. 5, 
which he occujDied in 1 8'20. He was a mason by trade and a 
member of the Baptist church in P. He removed to Illinois 
in 1830 or '31. 

(32. JOHN CONEY— Was b. in or near Boston, Mass., in 
1753. His father's name was William and came from England. 
His mother's maiden name was Betsey Lowell. He was two 
years in the Continental army, and in government employ to 



338 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

the close of the war. Soon after he m. Lovina Patterson at 
Palmer, Mass., and lived at Hadley, that state, until 1807 when 
he removed to Bennington, Vt., and from there to P. in 1823. 
He d. in P. in 1838, aged 83. Mrs. Coney d. in P. Nov. 4, 
• 1852, aged 90. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Coney. — (1) John Russell: was 
b. at Hadley, Mass. , in 1 785 ; went with the family to Vt. in 
1807, and in 1 8 1 3 m. Mrs. Sally Keyes, dau. of Moses Sage. They 
removed to P. in 1814 and settled on the N. W. p't lot 19, T. 
5, occupying a log house until 1622 when the house now on the 
farm was built. In this house he kept tavern twelve years. 
\_See Taverns.'] He removed to Centerville in 1835, retui'nmg 
to his farm in 1849. where he d. May 26, 1854. Mrs, C. d. at 
Westfield, this county, April, 18 — . Mr. and Mrs. Coney had 
but one ch., a dau., who m. Joseph Lockwood. Mrs. L. d. July 
23, 1838, and was bu. at Brocton. Mi". Coney was a man of 
considerable business capacity and enjoyed the fullest respect 
and confidence of his townsmen. (2) William: was b. at 
Hadley in 1 787 ; did not remove to P. but lived in Vt. and 
Mass. during a long life, dying at Charlemont, in the latter 
state. (3) Solomon: b. at Lowell, Mass., in 1789 ; came to P. 
from Vt. in 1815 ; m. Fanny Sage, sister of Harry Sage, 
Brocton, the same fall, and in 1817 built the house now owned 
and occupied by M. P. Barber in Brocton, on the site of the 
present residence of T. S. Moss. He purchased sixty acres of 
land north of Brocton, N. E. p't of lot 21, T. 5, and erected on 
it a grist-mill in 1823, a dwelling in 1824 and a saw-mill in 
1835. He pm-chased a distillery on the premises, of Silas 
Houghton in 1827. [See Mills, &c.] Mr. C. was a millwright 
by trade. He d. in town AxDril 28, 1850. His widow is still 
living, with a sister, Mrs. C. S. Colvin of Bennington, Vt. (4), 
Oliver : came to P. fi-om Charlemont, Mass., in 1828. Mrs. 
Coney's maiden name was Sophia Fales. For some time about 
1836 Mr. C. kept a tavern at Portland Center in the building 
long owned by D. Tallman. He d. May 14, 1850. Mrs. C. is 
s^till living, with her dau., IMi's. E. D. Fuller. (5) Lowell : 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 339 

came to P. from Vt.; never m. but for many years lived in a 
house north of Brocton where now stands the house of Nolton 
Smith, on lot 2l, T. 5. He d. many years since. (6) Maktin : 
came from Vt. to P. in July, J 816, and m Maria Barnes, dau. 
of Calvin Barnes, in Nov., 1823. He settled on p't of lot 34, 
T. 5, land now in p't owned by O. J. Greene. In 1828 he built 
the house now occupied by Mr. Greene, in which he kept 
tavern for four years. He removed to Elgin, Illinois, in 1 832, 

where he still resides. (7) Lucy : m. • Simons, and is now 

living near the old homestead in Vermont, nearly eighty years 
of age. (8) LoviNA : m. Austin Barber and removed to P. in 
1832. Mrs. B. d. Dec. 20, ls69, aged 67. She was bu. in 
Bi'octon cemetery. (9) A dau. who d. in childhood. 

53. WILLIAM HARRIS— Came to P. from Rensselaer Co., 
N. Y., in the spring of 1814. In 1817 he purchased the tavern 
built by David Joy in 18 14, where the house of Wm. W. Pettit 
now stands, on lot 19, T. 5, which he kept for several years. 
He was a soldier of the Revolution and was taken prisoner by 
the British and confined in the " old sugar house " in N. Y. 
city tor six months and suffered untold hardships. He 
removed to Buffalo, this state, about 1827, and d. there. 

family of Mr. and Mrs. Harris. — But a part of the family 
of Mr. Harris came to P. with liim, as follows : (1) William, 
jr.: m Sophia Williams, dau. of Richard Williams. [See No. 
54.] (2) George : m. Marilla Hill. (3) Joseph : m. Flora 
Beach. (4) Loretta : m. Joel Smith. 

54 WILLIAM HARRIS— Was the son of William (No. 53) 
and b. in Rensselaer county, N. Y., and came to P. with his 
father in 1814. Oct. 26, 1821, he piu'chased fifty acres of land, 
p't of lot 1 8, T. 5, since for many years forming a part of the 
Judson farm. In 1822 he m. Sophia Williams, dau- of Richard 
Williams, and lived in town rmtil 1827, when he sold, and in 
Oct. of that year removed to Buffalo, where he lived until 1852, 
then removing to* liis farm five miles from the city, where he 
still resides. 

Fmnily of Mr. and Mrs Harris. — (1) Richard W., (2) Sally 



340 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

S., (3) Mary Jane, (4) William H., (5) Cyrus C. The oldest 
two were b. in P 

55. ROE GOLDSMITH— Was a bro. of James Goldsmith, 
so long a citizen of P., and was b. in Litchfield county, Conn., 
-Tan. 20, 1 786. He emigrated to Oneida Co., N. Y , in 1812 and 
jn 1813 m. Esther Hiu'd, dau. of Moses Kurd of that county. 
The next winter he removed to Chautauqua county and 
located p't of lots 48 and 56, T. 5, R. 1.', land afterward 
owned by Capt. J. Sprague, but sold within a year and pui'- 
chased 517 acres in P., p't of lots 5 and 6, Nov. 14, 1814. The 
next year he sold to Hezekiah and Barzilla Barker and bought 
p't of lot 63, T. 5, R. 12, where he lived twelve years and kept a 
tavern, eventually selling to Nathan Wood. For a year he owned 
the place where the writer now lives, and lor two years kept 
a tavern, the Williams stand, on lot 9.5, T. 5. [/See Taverns.'] 
He was of a restless disposition and seldom remained long 
upon the same place. While living upon the Wood farm at 
Milford, he was the subject of a slight yet exciting adventure. 
One Sabbath morning in early fall he strolled fi-om his house 
to the flat north of the I'oad to examine a field of corn, and 
after passing around it he discovered a cub, or a young bear on 
the opposite side oi the fence, and at once formed the project 
of securing and taming it. Springing over the fence he 
seized it, placed it under his arm and started for home. The 
cub not relishing the new relation, set up a cry which attracted 
the attention of its mother not far distant, who immediately 
gave chase, and Mr. G, noticing the presence of danger over 
his shoulder, started into a raj^id run, with the old bear bent 
upon the rescue, not far behind, and evidently gaining upon 
him every moment. It was a closely contested race, and as in 
many another race, the danger, the excitement and the glory 
of victory were far in excess of the prize to be won. Mr. G. 
held fast to the cub, and dashed into the door of his dwelling 
with mother bruin scarcely a yard in the reat". Not daring to 
follow him further she turned aside and left- for her "native 
wilds." The cub in its efforts to escape had torn from Mr 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND 341 

G. nearly every part of his clothing, and in a fearful manner 
lacerated the flesh npon his chest. A dearly bought success. 
Mr. G. d. at Conneaut, Ohio, Apr. 7, 1870. He was a soldier 
in the war of 1<S12. Mrs- G. is stilll living. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs Goldsmith. — (I) Orton : m. and 
went to California ; d. there. (2) Rena, (3) James : a sailor 
on the lakes for many years ; d- in California. (4) Clinton : 
also a sailoi' ; d. in California (5) Leverett, is a sailor on the 

lakes ; lives in Conneaut, Ohio. (6) Betsey Ann : m 

Bartholomew ; settled at Conneaut. 

56. MOSES SAGE — Was b in Connecticut and emigrated 
in early life to Bennington, Vt. He m. Susanna Havelin of 
Quaker Hill, N. Y., and emigrated to Canada way in July, 1814, 
and to P. in 1815. He purchased of Hollis Fay a claim to N. 
W. part of lot 13, T. 5, including the east p't of the village 
of Brocton, and built his log house on the spot where stands 
the residence of the writer. The same fall he visited Pittsburg, 
Pa., in the employ of James McClui'g of the crossroads, and d. 
there in the spring of 1816. Mrs. Sage d. Feb. 17, 1828. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Sage — (1) Isaac, b. in Ben- 
nington, Vt.; m. Sally Childs, and came to P. with 
his father in '815. He settled on N. Avest pt. of lot 
4, T. 5, farm now owned by R. S Morrison. In 1828 or 
'29 he built a fi'ame house, which was burned in 1857. The 
house now on the faim was built in 1 858 by D. G. Good- 
rich. In 1833 or '34 Mr. S. sold his farm to Gilbert Arnold, 
and purchased the place noAV owned and occupied by T. S. 
Moss at Brocton, where he cl. some years later. He was a 
farmer, and an active and consistent member of the Baptist 
church in P and one of the original members. (2) Jacob, b. 
in Vt. and came to P. in 1815. He m. Eleanor Colvin in Vt., 
eventually settled in Pomfret, on S. W. pt. of lot 40, T 5, 
R. 12, on what is familiarly known as Webster Street, where 
he d. some years since. (3) Moses, b. in Vt. and came 
to P. in 1815, with his father. After the death of his 
father he occupied the farm for two years. In 1816 



342 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



he built a sawmill on Slippeiy Rock creek, (See Mills) and the 
same year a frame barn on a plat of ground now owned by the 
writer and opposite his present residence. The bam is still 
standing, near the M. E. church edifice. This was the first 
frame barn built on the north road, and the second in town. 
Mr. S. m. Nancy Goldsmith, an aimt of Mrs. Joel Traverse of 
Brocton, He sold his farm in 1819 to Walter Mumford, and 
bought the farm now owned in part by J. N. Porter, pt. of 
lots 13 and 14, T. 5. He built the house now on the farm 
nearly as now seen in which he kept a tavern until 1 830, 
[See Taverns.] He sold to Dajries Post in 1829, and 
removed to Fredonia in 1830, and engaged in mercantile 
pursuits in company Avitli Noah D. Snow, in the building now 
occupied by L B. Grant. Two or three years later he 
removed to Michigan, where he d. about 1861. (4) Hakry, b. 
in Vt. Apr. 22d, 1798, and came to P. with the family in 1815. 
He located on the S. W. pt. of lot 26, T. 5, familiarly known 
as the Blood Farm. He m. Julia Olin of Vt. in 1825 and in 
1827 sold his land to Judge Philo Orton and retmiied to Vt. 
In 1836 he removed to Connecticut, and in \ 867 again coming 
to P. and purchasing the place now owned by T. S. Moss 
in Brocton. The dau. of Mr. Sage were as follows: Sally, 
b. at Bennington, Vt.; m 1st Thomas Keyes ; 2d John R. 
Coney. [See No. 52.] (•_') Susanna, b. in Vt., m. Eeuben 
Colvin ; lived and d. there. (,3) PoLLy, b. in Vt.; m. Giles Olin 
of Bennington, lived and d. there. (4) Patty, b. in Vt ; m. 
Jonas SaflEbrd ; d. at Brocton, Nov. 6th, 1866. (5) Fanny, b. in 
Vt.; m Solomon Coney in P. in 1815 ; now living in Benning- 
ton Vt. 

57. BARZILLA BARKER^-was the son of Hezekiah and 
Sarah Barker and b. at Newport, R. I. Aug. 20th, 1 784. In 
1800 the family settled in Paris, Oneida coimty, and in 
1805 removed to Canadaway. Then five dwellings contained 
the entire population of the present town of Pomfi'et. Mr. 
Bs father opened the first tavern in the place. The 
whole tract where the village now stands was an entire 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



343 



wilderness Mr. B. m. Mury Marsh in 1808 Mrs. B. came 
with her family to Canadaway the same year, 1805. In 
the fall of 1815 Mr. B. came to P. and settled on pt. of lots 
5 and 6, T. 5, purchasing of Roe Goldsmith. The improve- 
ments were a slashing of five acres and a log honse. The 
first settlement east was on the farm of Henry Bradley 
at Milford, and the first west was at Brocton. Mr. B. 
built the third frame bam on the Main road. He built 
a small frame house in 1817, in which he lived until 1835. when 
he built the house now occupied by his son Coiington. 
Mr. B. was a Baptist in sentiment ; politically a Whig, and in 
after life a Republican. He d. Aug. 17th, 1859. Mrs. B. d. 
June 7th, 1855. They were bu. in Brocton Cemetery. 

bamily of Mr. and Mrs. Barker. — (1) Corington, b. Apr. 
rjth, 1809 ; m. Angelina S. Lathrop, Oct. 16th, 1838, lives on 
a part of the homestead. (2) Nei^son; b. Sept 3d, 1810 ; d 
in infancy. (3) Angelina D., b. Sept. 28th, 1811; m. M. C. 
Carroll, Dec 25th, 1830 ; d. Apr. 11th, 1858, in Fredonia. 
(4) George W. b. Mar. 23d, !814; m- Diantha Fellows, Oct. 
20th, 1842 ; lives on pt. of the old homestead. (5) Zebiah 
W. b. Mar. 15th, 1816; m. N. P. Bassett, Apr. 18th, 1844; lives 
in Oswego county, N. Y. (6) Mary L., b. July 31st, 1818 ; m- 
William Fellows, May 4th, 1847 ; d. May 3()th, 1848, in Catta- 
raugus coimty, this state. (7) Addison S. b. Feb. 21st, 1820; 

m. 1st Jane Kidder ; 2d ; lives in Winnebago county, 

111. (8) Sarah VV. b. June 24th, 1824; m. Abner S. Fay; 
lives in Monroe county, Iowa- 

58. WILLIAM CORRELL— Came to P. from Canada in 
Mar 1815. Mrs. Correll was a native of Lancaster, Pa. 
They settled on the N pt. of lot 36, T. 5. His article 
bears date Feb. 24th, 1*^16. From the tavern of James 
Dium he was obliged to literally "cut his way through" the 
dense forest to his purchase. His shanty was built near 
the bank of CorrelVs Creek. He afterw^ard built a frame 
house, which was burned in 18 — . A small frame house was 
at once built, in which Mr. C. lived until he d. Nov. 15th, 



344 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

1858, aged 80 His w. Barbara, d. Jan, 27th, 1866 Mr. C. was 
a Methodist, and a father in Israel. Politically he was a 
republican 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Correll. — (1) Nancy : m. .James 
Conner; lives in Crawford county, Pa. (2) Mama: m. Ezra 
Conner; lives in Iowa. (3) Barbaka : m. John Fellows; d. 
m P, (4) Catmakine : m. Jesse Devon ; lives in Indiana, (o) 
John: b. in 181'.:? ; m. Jane Bruce; lives in Indiana. (6) Joseph: 
b. in 1814; m. 1st Maria Sanborn ; 2d Eliza Davis ; lives on 
pt. of the old homestead. (7j Abkam: b. in 18J6; m. Lucy 
Granger; d. in P. in I85d. 

51). JOSEPH GUYLE— Was b. in Connecticut, and m. 
Sally Hunt of whose nativity nothing is known. They 
removed to P. in I8i5, and lived wit^i their son Simeon, who 
with his bro- Henry had purchased forty-six acres of land 
now owned in -pi. by S. S. Jones, pt. ,of lot 25, T. 5, where 
they d. within a week of each other, about 1 825. Mr. G. was 
a soldier of the hevolution from Conn, and for some time 
was stationed in R. Island. While in the service he s^^ffered 
many hardships and had many thrilling adventures. He par- 
ticipated m the bold and hazardous enterprise related below, 
and often I'epeated the leading features with a good deal 
of enthusiasm. In the sixmmer of 1777 a British force was 
quartered in R. I., under command of Gen. Prescott. Pres- 
cott was harsh and tyrannical with the inhabitants, and his 
presence with his troops was felt to be most oppressive. The 
inquiry was often made, "How shall we rid ourselves of 
them." Wm. Barton, a Col. of a regiment of Militia, a native 
of Providence, that state, formed the daring design of sur- 
prising and capturing PresCott. The General was then quar- 
tered at the house of a Quaker, live miles from Newport. 
On the night of the 1 0th of July, having selected a few bold 
fellows, and among them Mr. Guyle, he embarked in "whale 
boats with muffled oars, crossed Narragansett Bay, and landed 
on the island. They were unobserved, though so near the 
British guard-boats that they heard the sentinel's 'All's well.' 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 345 

In two divisions they silently approached the house," seized 
and silenced the sentinel, and ere the chivalrous general who 
held the Yankees in utter contempt, was aware, he was a pris- 
oner and on his way to Warwick Point, where they landed. 
"Not a word had been spoken since the capture until the 
landing, when Prescott said, 'Sir, you have made a bold push 
to-night-' B;)rton simply replied, "We have been fortunate.' " 

Family of Mr. mid 3Irs. G-uyle. — (1) Simeon Guyle, in 
company with his bro. Henry came to P. in 1815 and pur- 
chased the farm now owned in part by S. S. Jones. Their 
log house was built by Nathan Fay, in 1807, near the 
spring north of the house of Mr. Jones. He m. Hattie, 
dau. of Nathan Fay, and some years later removed to Illinois, 
and d at Waukegan, that state, in 1855. Mrs. G. is living 
with her son, ^-V. B- Guyle, in Cleveland, Ohio. Their ch. 
were W B Guyle, John F., Sarah M. and Hester Ann. (2) 
Henky, came to P. in 1815 with his bro. Simeon and 
pui'chased with him 4(3 acres of land. [See Simeon G.] 
In 1825 his bro. removed to 111., and in 1827 he dis- 
posed of the farm to Asa Thornton, and for several 
years followed the lake as a sailor, but eventually bought 
land near Detroit, Michigan, upon which he lived alone in a 
log sttanty. Whether now living is not known. He never m. 

(iO. ZIMRI HILL — Was the son of John, and was b. in 
Conn, in 1762. He m. Malinda Palmer, dau of J ohn Palmer. 
in Ferrisburg, Vt He removed from there to P in com 
pany with Zadoc Martin, in Oct. 1815 He settled on p't of 
lot 12, T. 5, now owned in part by H. Patch and ^^ . A. 
Strong, his log house standing where the house of Mr. Strong 
now stands. He sold in ' 836 to Samuel Brown and removed 
to the town of Pomfi'et ; but during the last years of his life 
lived with Jason Martin, a son-in-law. He was nearly blind 
for over twenty years. He was a revolutionary soldier, and 
was a volunteer in the war of 181^, and was at the battle of 
Plattsburg, N. Y. In religion he was orthodox and in pol- 



346 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

itics a democrat He d. Nov 15th, 1844, and was bu. in 
Evergreen Cemetery 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hill — (1) Pattie, b. in 1798; 
m. Moses Joy; d. in Michigan in 1804. (2) Lorex, b. in 1801 : 
m. Almira Graves in 1829 ; settled in P.; d. in Michigan, in 
1855. (3) Chauncey, b. in 1803; m. Nancy Squares, adopted 
dan. of Daniel Barnes, in 1823; settled in P.; d. in Ohio, July 
24th, 1863; brought to I', for buiial. (4) Alma, b- Jan. 30th, 
1807; m. Jason Martin, Jan. 1827; settled in P.; d. Oct 12th, 
1870. (5) Heman, b. in 1809; m. Lydia Delong in 1835; set- 
tled in p.; now living in the west. (6) Marili.a, b in 1811 ; 
m. Geo Harris, son of William Harris, in I8v;8; (7) 
Calvin, b. in 1S13; m Anice Mead in 1836; settled at 
Marengo, 111; still living. (8) Jerusha, b. in 1815; m. Henry 
Lake in 1835; settled in P at first; still living- The ch- 
were all b- in Vt. 

61. ABEL PALMEE — Was a young man, and came to P. 
from Vt. in the Sin'ing of 1815; and Apr. 22, located S. W. 
p't of lot 4, T 5, farm now owned by A. R. Thompson He d. 
of consumption the same year. He was a nephew of Mrs. 
Ahira Hall. Mr Hall at this time occupied a log house on 
the same piece of land 

62. ASA THORNTON— Came to P. as early as 1815 and 
purchased a claim to p't of lot 41, T. 5, farm now owned by H. 
A. Blowers. He soon sold to Henry Abell, who sold to Jonas 
Safford in 1816. His last purchase in tow^n was the land now 
owned in p't by S. S- Jones, p't of lot 25, T. 5, of Henry Guyle, 
in 1827. In 1829 he sold and went to Pa. 

63. JEREMIAH DUSENBURY— Was the son of John, and 
b. in Nassau, Rensselaer county, N. Y. His wife, Rachael 
Thompson, was b. in Chatham, Columbia county. They came 
to P. from the Black river country in 1815 or '16 and settled 
on the farm now owned by William Becker, p't of lot 19, T. 5. 
The remains of his log house are still to be seen. "In the first 
spring he made a little maple sugar, cleared a small patch for 
corn and was taken sick with fever, and we all came near 



THE TOWN' OF PORTLAND 347 

stai-ving. He was sick forty days and was treated by Dr. 
Simons of Westfield. I said we came near starving, and 
should had it not been for the maple sugar and Mrs. Elisha 
Fay, the best woman God ever pennitted to live, who brought 
us bread to eat in sweetened water. Mrs- D. was sick at the 
same time." A few years later he occupied for a year oi* two 
the farm now o-^Tied hj Lincoln Fay, and in after years 
removed to Buffalo where he kept a tavern, and still later to 
Aurora, Erie Co., where -he d. in 1852. Mrs. D. m. a second 
time, but is again a widow. Mr. D. near the close of his life 
professed chiistianity. Politically he was a democrat. 

Family of 3Ii .and Mrs. Dusenbury. — (1) Ed. Clark: adopted 
in 1814; now lives at Silver Creek, this county. (2) Maria ■• 
b in \^\Q. (3) Hukam : b. in 1S20; now lives in Buffalo. 
N. Y. 

64. AHIRA HALL — Was the son of James and Huldah 
Hall, and was b. m the town of Croydon, X. H., Dec. 21, 1784. 
When a young man he emigrated to Charlotte, Vt., where he 
m. Laura Palmer Oct. l^', 1807. Mrs. H. was b. in that town 
Sept. 13, 1790. In 1811 he removed to Massena, St. Lawi-ence 
county, N. Y., and settled near the bank of the St. Lawrence 
liver in the midst of an almost unbroken wilderness. In 1 812 
Mr. Hall was among those first di'afted into the seiwice, and 
Mrs. H., rather than remain alone and tmprotected, packed 
what of their effects she could upon a horse and ^vith their two 
ch. retiu'ned to her father in Vt., where IVIi'. H. joined her at 
the close of his tenn of service. After the close of the war 
they removed to the Holland Pm'chase, aiiiving at the tavern 
of Daniel Barnes, after a trip of forty-one days, in Oct., 1816. 
He soon occupied a log house on a piece of land owned by 
Abel Pahner (No. (31) which came into his possession on the 
death of Mr Palmer. In 1821 he sold his claim to this land 
and purchased a claim to the S. p't of the land of Daniel 
Barnes, N. E. p't of lot 3, T. 5, on which he lived to the day of 
his d., Feb. 24, 18.58. Mrs. H. d. Dec. 18, 1863. They were 
bu. in Brocton cemeteiy. In the early years of his life in 



348 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES OF 

P. Mr. H. was a Universalist but later a Methodist, himself, 
wife and twelve ch eventually becoming members of that 
order. Mr. Hall was a man of more than common ability, and 
for many years was a leading spirit in town, and in civil and 
political trusts shared largely the confidence of the people . 

Family of lit. and 3Irs. Hall. — (1) John Palmek, b. in Mas- 
sena, N. Y., 1 809: m. Jane Ann Miller in Sherman, this coimty, 
Oct. 24th, 184 [■; d. Aug. 2d, 1871 : bu. in Fredonia. (2) Albina, 
b. in Massena, Oct. 17th, 1810 ; m. Nancy Quigley in P. Oct. 
13th, 1835: is a Methodist clergyman. (3) Ruth, b. June l4th 
1812 ; m. Richard Reynolds at P. Apr. 29tli, 1838 : lives in P. 
(4) James Ahika, b. in Yt., Apr. 4th, 181o: m. Caroline Her- 
rick at Sedgwick, Me.: d. Apr. 8th, 1866; bu. in Brocton Cem- 
etery. (5) Lauka Axn, b. in p. Oct. 17th, 1817 ; m. Charles 
Fay in P. Nov. 2oth, i84l ; lives in P. (6) Samuel P., b. in 
P. Apr. 1st, 182i); m. IMiranda Kip at Sherman, this county. 
Mar. 1848 ; lives in Sherman. (7) Ralph N., b. in P. Nov. 3d. 
1821; m. Caroline Hall at Newport, N. H., Apr., 1852 ; li\dng 
there. (8) Nancy Altheda, b. in P. Feb. 21st, 1824 ; m. Henry 
Flint, in P. May "iOth. 1846 ; lives in P. (!') Livia Paulina, 
b. in P. Nov. •i8th, 1826 ; m. John T. Greene, Jan. 7th, 1852 ; 
lives at Sherman, this county. (10) Lodoiska Matilda, b. in P. 
Oct. 1st, 1828 : m. William Martin, Apr. 2d, 1862; lives in P. 
(11) Sarah 3^lALiM)A,b. in P. Mar. 24th 1831 ; m. John D. Merritt 
Oct. 7th, 1865 ; lives at Forestville, this county. 12) Luka 
Jank, b. in P. Feb. llth, 1833; m. brank Elhs, Sept. 3d, 
1807; lives in Forestville (13) Chloe, b. in P. May 4th, 
1835; d. Dec. 4th, 1886. 

65. REUBEN TAYLOR— Was of Scotch descent, and b. 
in Colchester, ContL, Feb. 8th, 1 759. He m. Anna Skinner, 
in Hebron, Conn., 1785. Mrs. T. was b. in Hebron, Oct 7, 1 763. 
They removed to Norwich, Chenango Co., N. Y"., in 1788, and 
to P. in 1815. He settled on E. pt. lot 34, T 5, land now 
owned by Cullen Buit. W. Turk and J. Fleming. His log 
house stood where the house of Mr. Tiu-k now stands. In 
1824 he built a frame house, since removed by Mr. Turk. Mr. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



349 



T. d Mar. 9tli. 1 833. Mrs. T. d. May 3d, 1 842. Tliey were 
bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. While a youth Mr. T. was in 
some capacity attached to tlie army of Wasliington in the war 
of the Revolution. Mr. and Mi-s. T. had a large family all 
1). in Chenango county but the oldest ; all of whom may be 
termed early settlers of P. 

taniiUj of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor. — (1) P'K.sons: b. in Hebron, 
Conn., iMar. 22d, 1787 ; came to P. in 180!) ; settled on east pt. 
of lot 34, T. o ; sold to his fatlier in 1815 ; bought N. pt. of 
same lot the same year, farm now owned in part by David 
Skinner. He m. 1st Phebe Carpenter, Jan. liTth, 1809. who d. 
Oct. 2d, 18:>9 ; 2d Betsey Godfiey m 1841. He had but one 
ch., Bethia, b. Oct. loth, 1841. He was a clothier by trade. 
The house now on the farm was built by him in 1826. He 
sold to Ivichard Reynolds and removed to C'enterville, where 
he d. Mar. 8th, 1869. (2) Erastus: b. Nov. 15th, 178S , came 
to P. in the winter of 1808 ; settled on pt. of lot o4, T. 5 ; 
built a log house, in which he lived alone for one year, when 
lie sold to his brother Parsons and bought on the N. pt. of 
the same lot, on which he lived until his death. He was a 
v(4unteer in the war of 1 <s i 2, and was at the . battle of 
Queenstown, where he wis woiuided. [See war of 18'2.j He 
returned to P. in 1815 ; built a log house and occupied it imtil 
1 836, when he built the house nov\' standing on the farm. He 
m. Elizabeth Mathewson in Chenango county, Feb. 4th, 1819. 
They have a family of three ch. 1, Edward B., 2, Gurdon 
M., 3, Charles G. Mr. T. was a man of great energy, a 
quality necessary in the settler of a new country. A little 
incident is recorded of him that attests his patience also : In 
1 809 his axe became well worn, and he was obliged to obtain 
a new one Axes were not then ground ready for use as now, 
but the edge was left one-eighth of an inch in thickness and 
the buyer was exj)ected to put it in order. He purchased one, 
but no grindstone was to be found in town; a flat jdece of 
stone, however, was found, and with tliis, during the 
long winter evenings he groiuid his axe to a good condition for 



350 lasTORicAx, sketches of 

use by long continued hard rubbing Mr. T. d. Aug. 17th, 
18.57. Mi-s. T. d. Dec. 5th, 1860. (3) Jaeed: b. Mar. 9th. 

1791 ; came to W in 1809 ; located pt of lot 63, T 4, farm 
now owned by N. F. Stowell ; sold some years later and 
bought pt. of lot 62, T. 4 ; He m Polly, dau. of Jonathan 
Burch. Mrs. T. d. in P Mr. T. was thrice m , and about 
1850 removed to Crawford county. Pa., where he d. Some 
years later he was removed to P. He was in the war of 1812. 
Mr. and Mrs T. had a large family. 1 , Parsons, 2, Almira, 
3, Emeline, 4, Lexington, 5, Amanda, 6, Matilda, 7, Mary Ann, 8, 
Jane, 9, Amaretta. (4) Anna: b. Jan. 1 8th, 1 793 ; d. young. 
(5) Joseph: b. Feb. 4th, 1797; came to P. in 1815; j)ui-chased 
pt. of lot 34, T 5, in 1816 or '17, land now owned by his 
son Martin ; he m. Lucina Godfrey in P.; he d. Dec. ! th, 
1845. Mrs. T. d. Feb. 28th, 1848. They were bu in Ever- 
green Cemetery. They had three ch. 1, Rachel, 2, Oscar, 3, 
Martin L. (6) Dolia": b Oct. 25th, 1799 ; d young. (7) Reu- 
bhn: b. Mar. (ith, UOO; came with his father to P.; m. Ritth 
Cai-penter, .June 15th, 1823, in P.; settled on N. W pt of lot 
55, T. 4, farm now owned by E. Saunders ; he sold and for 
one or two years kept a tavern at the McKenzie place ; after- 
ward removing to Crawford county. Pa ; is still living The 
family were : 1 , Byron, 2, Phebe Ann, 3, Cordelia, 4, Reuben, 5, 
Janette, 6, Nancy, 7, Joseph (8) Justin: b Oct. 25th, i801 ; 
came to P. with his father in 1815; m Catharine Smith, dau 
of Martin Smith ; lived with his father, but after his d. 
removed to Will county. 111., in )834, where he d. about 1847 
or '48. The family were 1, Harriett, 2, Francis, 3, Smith, 4. 
Satia, 5, Henry, 6, Grosvenor, 7, Smith, 8, Justin. (9) Betsey: 
b. May 20th, 1803 j came to P. with the family ; m Samuel 
Anderson, Oct 19th, 1820 ; settled on S W. pt. of lot 28, T. 
5, farm now owned by Frank Arnold ; removed to HI in Mar. 

1833. Mr A d. in California Mrs. A. m. Poor ; d in 

HI in 1870. Mr. A was a man of energy, but a little eccen 
trie, and forgetful of the wants of a family, and esj^ecially 
with reference to providing fuel. On a certain occasion while 



THE TOWN OF POBTLAND. 351 

living in P. after having bis mind repeatedly refreshed with 
reference to the condition of things in this respect, he left 
for the fallow with several hired men, no doubo thinking, if 
indeed he had any thoughts about it, that his good wife would 
provide herself with wood as she had done before. But Airs 
A. was equal to the emergency and soon taught her husband 
the necessity of better attention in this particular At the 
appointed time she spread the table, placed the kettle over the 
fireplace, filled with all the necessaries for a "boiled dinner," 
blew the horn and seated herself with needle in hand to await 
the result. Soon Mr. A. and his men came in, and were well 
"taken back" at the shape things had assumed. Mr. A -'saw 
the point" at once ; wood was prepared, the dinner cooked 
and eaten with a relisli and much good cheer ; a very good 
evidence of the fact that arguments addressed to the stomach 
are often more potent than those addi'essed to the intellectual 
or moral natures. Mr. and Mrs. A had but two ch. 1, Hor- 
ace, 2, Pierpont. (10) Almon, b. Jime 16th, 1805; came to P. 
with the family; m Jane Smith, dau. of Martin Smith; lived 
on land now owned by Cullen Burr ; went to 111 about 1845, 
and to California soon after, and on his return in 1850 d. and was 
bu. at sea. The family were: 1, Marcus, '2, Catharine, 8, Martin. 
4, name not remembered. 

6(j. RICHAPiD WILLIAMS— AVas a descendant of Roger 
Williams the founder of Providence, R. I. He was b. in East 
Hartford, Conn., July 6th, 1773 ; m. Sophia Morton in Madison 
county, N. Y., Nov. 1st, 1794. Mrs. W. was b. in Madison 
county, Sept. 25th. 1776. They emigrated fi-om Sangerfield, 
Oneida Co., to Canadaway in July 1807, where the}' lived until 
1815, when they removed to P. exchanging property with 
Henry Abell, pt. of lot 25, T. 5, now owned in part by Lincoln 
Fay. Mr. W. d. here in Sept. 1822. Mrs. W. afterward m. 
Ithamer Crouch and lived on pt. lot 29, T. 5, where she d. 
Apr. 13th, 1854. They were bu. in Fredonia Cemetery. Mrs. 
W. was a sister of Thomas Morton, one of the early settlers 
of Fredonia, who lived for many years in a small house standing 



352 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

on the site of the jweseut residence of Col. Rufns Haywood, on 
Central Avenue. She was a woman of remarkable energy and 
many instances are related of her indomitable energy and 
heroic daring, almost incredible. When Mr. and Mrs. W. 
I'emoved to Canadaw;vy, five families constituted the entire 
village. There were large accessions, however, that season. 
Mr. W. and Hezekiah Barker built the first grist mill at 
that place, between the iron bridge and the mill of G. Tefi"t, 
some remains of which were to be seen but a few years since. 
The mill gearing was brought from Batavia, N. Y., twenty one 
days being necessary to make the trijD. Some of the original 
papers and correspondence relating to the building of the 
mill, and the first saw mill, by Mr. Barker, are now in the 
hands of the writer. They show a large amount of persever- 
ance on the part of the proprietors, and much hardship endured 
to establish the means of converting the timber of the 
forest into lumber, and the meager supply of grain into flour 
and meal. A little insight may be had of the manner ot living 
and the close quarters of the early emigrants, from the fact 
that Ml-. W. and family lived in a log house twelve feet by 
sixteen, and much of the time while building the mill had 
from fifteen to twenty persons in the family. Mrs. W. 
declared on another occasion that she could accommodate 
as many in her house as there were boards in the floor. 
WTiile living in P. Mr. W. kept a tavern, and was contractor 
for carrying the mails fi'om Bufi'alo to Erie. [See Taverns 
and Mail Routes.] Mr. VV. was not a religionist, but Mrs. W. 
was a member of the baptist church. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Willianis. — ( 1 ) Abner, (^2) Moe 
TON, (3) EsTHEK, (4) Elijah, (5) Richard, ((3) Sherman, (7) 
Sophia, (8; Eliza, (9) Adaline, (10) Gould, (11) Xancv, (12) 
Oliver W., (13) Mary H. The first six were b. in Madison 
Co., the remaining seven in Canadaway and P. 

67. SIMON BURTON— Was of English descent. His 
})aternal ancestor in America was b. in Dui'ham, England, in 
1685, and came to America in 1720. Simon was b. in Sutton 



THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 353 

Mass., Nov. 19th, 1769; m. Margaret French in 1786. Mi-s. 
B. was b. at Salem, Mass., July 1st, 1764. Mr. and Mrs. 
Burton removed to Croydon, Sullivan county, N. H.; from 
there to Windsor, Vt.. in 1804, and to Louisville, St. 
Lawrence county, N. Y., iulSlO, but from difficulties with the 
St. Regis Indians, were compelled to- remove to Ogdensburg. 
where he and four of his sons enlisted in the war ot 1812. 
In 18 i 6 he "went west" as far as Ohio, and on his return, at 
the tavern of Eichard VViHiams in P., engaged to build a mill 
for VVm. Dunham, that season. July 2d, he articled pt. of lot 
27, T. 5, and the next Mar. a pt. of lot 22 ; and himself built 
mills at the mouth of Slippery Rock Creek in 1817. [See 
Mills.] He was a man of considerable inventive genius, and 
was the inventor of the Tub Water Wheel ; and of a 
machine for cutting book board from timber. He was 
engaged in several important enterprises, and seldom failed of 
accomplishing whatever he undertook. He built several 
houses in town, and one in Fredonia, adjoining on the west 
the old drug store of Charles Burritt. Mr. B. was a poli- 
tician of the Clay school ; in religion a Universalist. He d. 
June 8th, 1842, and his wife in July 18.50. I'hey were bu. in 
North Portland Cemetery. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barton. — (1) Margaeiot, b. July 
25th, 1787; m. Samuel Millet; d, in P Jan 1861 (2) Sal- 
mon, b. June 2oth, 1789 ; d. July 80th, 1813, at Sackett's Harbor, 
from wounds received at the taking of Little York, now Toronto, 
Canada. (3) Minuweil, b. May 4th, 1791 ; m. John Carpenter; 
lives in Vt. (4) Lucinka, b. Mar. loth, 1793; m. Oliver 
Spafford; d. in Erie^ Pa., Jan. 6th, 1855. (5) Simon, twin with 
John, b. July 28th, 1795; m. Abigail Baldwin; still living in 
P. (6) JoiiN, twin with Simon, b. .luly 28th, 1795; m. Abigail 
Freeman; went west some years since. (7) VVillard, b. 
Jan. 19th, 1 797 ; m. Nancy Conner ; d. in Crawtord Co. Pa. 
Oct. 1844. (8) Hi!;am, b. Nov. 22d, 1799; m. Harriet Skinner, 
Dec. 25th, 1821 ; living in P. (9) Linus, b. Mar. 25th, 1804; 
killed by the British at the taking of (Ogdensburg, N. Y., Feb 



354 



HlSTORICAl, SKETCHES OF 



22d, 1813. (10) Jeheeson, b. Mar. 3d, 1806; d. Feb. 25th, 
1808. (11) Jefferson, b. Feb. loth, 1809; m. Eliza Crosby; 
d. June 12th, 1841 ; widow m. again and removed to Salt Lake 
city ; supposed to be still living. 

68. JAMES BENNET— Was the son of Banks and Lucy 
Pratt Bennett, and b. in Pawlet Yt., Jane 6th, 1V85. In 
I8l6 he came to Sheridan, tljis county, and in 1818 to P. and 
settled on pt. of lot 32, T. 5, land now owned by .1. G. Weld, 
exchanging lands with John Birge. He m. Elizabeth Ensign, 
June 2d, 1818. He lived on his farm forty years, dying Jan. 
29th, 1858. Mrs. B. d. June lOth, 1850. A part of the house 
they occupied is still standing. Mr. B. was for many years a 
prominent member of the Methodist order in town. Politic- 
ally he was a whig and republican. 

family of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett. — (1) Harkiet E., b. July 
10th, 1820; m. John House, settled in Westfield; d. Nov. 
19th, 1870 ; bu. in W. & P. U. Cemetery. (2) Maey ,E. b. Feb. 
3d, 1822 ; m. Milton Freeman ; settled in town of Chautauqua ; 
still living ; Mr. F. d. a few years since. (3) James P. b. Aug. 
2d, 1821; m. and settled in Buffalo, N. Y. (4) Ensign, b. 
Sept. 5th, 1831; m. Frank Smith; settled in Buffalo; now 
lives in Chicago, 111. 

69. LUTHER CROSBY— Was b. m Dutchess county, N. 
Y., Jan. 1 783 He emigrated to Norway, Herkimer county, in 
early life, and m. Amy Salsbury, about 1804. Li 1816 he 
removed to P. and j)urchased a claim to N. E pt. of lot 29, 
T. 5, land commonly known as the Dederick Farm. He was 
a gunsmith by trade. [See Mills and Trades.] Mrs. C. d. m 
P. aged 51 years. In after years Mr. C. removed west, and 
d. in Dupage county, 111., Feb. 10th, 1864, aged 81. He was 
a Wesley an Methodist ; in politics a Whig. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Crosby. — (1) Delilah, m. John 
Potter ; d. in P. May 8th, 1873. (2) Hannah ; m. Isaac Shat 
tuck ; was killed by being thrown from a wagon Apr. 23d, 
181o. [See Seth Shattuck.] (3) Calvin, was drowned in the 
mill pond of Erastus Taylor, at 18 years of age. (4) Ur villa ; 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



855 



m. Wm. Kobinson ; now lives in Iroquois county, 111. (5) 
Sally, m. Michael Kelly; is now a widow ; lives in Boone 
county, 111. (6) Ervin, m. Harriet Shaver ; lives in Middlebury, 
Summit county, Ohio. ( 7) Roxy, d. at eleven years of age. 

(8) LuTHKR jun., m Harriet Sutton ; now lives in Wisconsin. 

(9) Daniel, m. Calinda Sliter; settled in Chicago, HI., d. in 
1853. (10) A.L0NZ0 W. m. Lucina Dodge; settled in Wheaton, 
111.; d. in 1865. (11) Frutilla, m. Asahel Robinson; lives at 
Shell Rock, 13utton county, Iowa. (12) Jasper N. m. Julia 
Bradley, lives at .Middlebury, Summit county, Ohio. Six of the 
family were b. in Herkimer county, and six in P. 

70. JOSEPH CASS— Was son of Nathan and Phila South- 
wick Cass, and was b. in Stafford, Coos, county, N. H., in 
1789. In 1810 he m. Tabitha Day, dau. of Eliphalet, and 
Tirzah French Day, who was b. in 1789. He removed to P. 
in 1813. Mr. Asa Hall went fi'om P. to N. H. in the midst of 
winter, in a sleigh and moved Mr, Cass ; an imdertaking few 
would attempt at this day. Mrs CI d. in Aug. the same year, 
whiio they were living upon the "Allen Wright" farm near 
Westfield, and was bu. in Ripley. Mr. Cass m. for a 
second wife Jane Dickinson, dau. of Judge Robert Dickinson 
of Ripley, and in 181 6 purchased the farm of Peter Ingersoll 
in P. pt. of lot 41, T. 5, occupying the log house upon the 
south side of the road until 1 818 when he built the house 
now standing on the farm. He kept tavern in town for five 
years. In 1821 he sold, and bought the "Smallwood Farm" 
in Ripley, which he sold in 1832 and removed to Harbor 
Creek, Pa.; from there to Will county. 111.; and fi'om there to 
Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and lastly to Iberia, Morrow county, Ohio, 
where he d. Feb. oth, 1868 ; Mrs. C. d. there in Jan. 1865. Mr. 
C was a Baptist ; politically a democrat to 1840, then a whig 
and republican respectively. 

Family of Mr. and 3frs. Cass.— {I) Fivilla, b. Feb. 17th. 
1811, in N H. ; m. Wiseman C. Nichols, settled in P in 1841 ; 
now lives at Cardington, Ohio. (2) Emogknk, b in N. H. Dec. 
2.5th, 1812; m. Richard BusliAvell in 1835 ; Mr. B. d. in Mich- 



356 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

igan in Mar. 1858. (3) Wellington, b. in 18l7;m. Minerva 
French. (4) {Samuel D., b. in 1819; m. Martha Strong, (n) 
Mary, b. in 1821 ; m. Henry Gruber ; d. in 1861. (6) Campbell, 
b. in 1823; m. Eachel Bloomfield. (7) Jonathan, b. in 1825: 
m. Mary Ann Parker ; lives in Piqua, Ohio. (8) Joseph, b. in 
1 827 ; m. Alona Cass ; lives at Iberia, Ohio. The first two 
named were by his first marriage and b. in N. H. 

71. WILLIAM DUNHAM— Was tlie son of Samuel, and 
b. in Amenia, Dutchess county, N. Y., July 1st, 1758. He m. 
Lucy Penoyer, who was b. Apr. 4th, 1762. He left Ulster 
county in 1815 for the west with no definite idea of his ulti- 
mate location. He stayed in Seneca county through the 
winter, and in the spring of 1816 set forward, intending to 
reach the ''Fire Lands" in Ohio. The joui'ney from Buffalo 
to P. was a tedious one, and Mrs. V. a daughter, in referring 
to it, says, "it was almost impossible to identify the animals 
composing the teams for they were literally plastered with 
mud." Stopping at the tavern of Richard Williams in P. to 
rest his teams, he became pleased with the country and within 
a week purchased a claim to W. pt. of lot 27, and E. pt. of lot 
32, T. 5, land now owned by J. E. Harris, T. Skeer, L. 
Con-ell and others. His log house was on lot 32. In 1820 he 
built a frame house the remains of which with the old barn 
were to be seen a few years since. [See Mills.] Mr. D. was 
a Methodist, and the father of Methodism in P. The first 
class was formed at his house in 1817. He commenced his 
religious work in town immediately, and continued it to the 
end of life. Politically he was a whig. He lived upon the 
same faim he settled until his d. Feb. 10th, 1839. Mrs. D. d- 
Aug. 30th, 1850. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Dunham. — (1) Abigail, b. Nov. 
]9th, 1786; d in 1796. (2) William, b. Nov. 26th, 1788; 
m. Ann Skinner, sister of Chester Skinner of Brocton. (3) 
Jesse, b. Nov 1st, 1790; m- Phebe Powell in Ulster county. 
(4) Phebe, b. Mar. 8th, 1792 ; m. Peter Vangaasbeek. (5) 
Charles, b. Dec. 26th, 1795; a bachelor, lives in P. (6) Lucy, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



357 



I) Oct. 28tli, 1797 ; m M. P. Vangaasbeek in P. ; still living. 

(7) Salomk, b. Dec. 29th, 1799 ; m. Hiram Martin ; living in P. 

(8) Alma, b. Dec. 30th, 1801 ; m. Johu Wilbur. ('•) Samuel, 
b. July 28th, 1804 ; m. Sophia Wilbur. 

72. JOHN DRUSE— Was the son of John and Cynthia 
Pier Druse, and came to P. from Otsego cou.nty, N. Y. in 1812. 
In ! 816 he purchased a claim to pt. of lot 41, T- 5, farm now 
owned by the heirs of G W. Ai'nold. He sold in 1819 to Henry 
Shuff. He was a cooper by trade. He left town probably in 
1835 or '3h. Politically he was a whig. Mrs. D d. in P. in 
1818; and in 1828 Mr. D. m. Hannah Birge, who d. in 111. 
Mr. D d. in 111. in 1848. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Druse. — (1) Ika, m. in Otsego 
county; d. in 111. (2) Waliy, m. Ephraim Marsh of Pomfi-et ; 
d. there in 1838. (3) Hannah, m. Daniel Armstrong in P.; 
lives in 111 (4) Ziha ; m — Sweet, in 111. (5) Hikam ; m. 

. (<i) George W. ni. Charlotte Hubbard in Fredonia ; lives 

in Conneautville, Pa. (7) Siephen, m. Julia Driggs in P.; 
lives in 111. (8) John ; d. in 111. 

73. ASA FULLER — Came to P. in 18! 6, and settled on 
pt. lot 48. T 4, farm now owned by Abram Woleben. The 
next year lie sold to Martin Quigley, and left town. 

74. RICHARD GATOR— Was a deserter from the British 
army, sometime during the war of 1812, coming to P. near its 
close. He m. Rebecca, a dal^. of Capt James Dunn, and for 
some years lived on S. p't of lot 30, T. 5; Mrs. D. d. in 
1828. Mr G. m. for second wife Mrs. Humason, and for many 
years lived on N. pt. ot lot 33, T. 5, lot now owned by Jerome 
Burhans. Mr. G. d. here Mar 9th, i 86 1 Mrs. G. d. in Indi- 
ana. Mr. G. was a blacksmith ; and politically a Democrat 
He had a large family. 

75 LEWIS HILL— Was a brother of Zimri, and came to P. 
with him in 18 i G He first settled on pt. of lot 4, T. 5, after- 
ward known as the Patch Farm ; then on the farm S. of it, 
now owned by Orrin Bvainard, pt. of lot 3, T 5. He built 
the house and barn now standmg on the farm. Mrs. H. d. 



358 UISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

while living on the Patch Farm, and Mr. H. m. again, but the 
name of his w. is not remembered. He d. on his farm a few 
years later. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hill — (1) Olive m. Wm. Hefron ; 
settled in P. but removed to Michigan in 1828 or '29. (2) 
Norman, m. Susan King ; for many years lived at Versailles, 
N. Y. (3) Betsey, m. David Skinner ; settled in P.; d. Dec 'J 'id, 
1836. (4) DzVViD, m. Louisa Matthewson. The ch. were all b}' 
the first marriage. 

76. ZADOC MAETIN— Was the son of Reuben and Sally 
Williams Martin, and was b. in Conn. Jime 17, 1777. He m. 
Sally Hill, dau. of Samuel Hill, in Jan., 1800 Mrs. M. was b. 
in Conn. June 10, 1779. They removed from N. Ferrisburg, Vt., 
to P. in the summer of 1816. " Fie started with a horse team, 
but one horse failing he traded for a yoke of oxen, for which he 
was offered six acres of land near the foot of Main street, 
Buffalo ; but he was not trading oxen for hemlock swamps." 
They had much difficulty in crossing Eighteen-mile creek and 
were obliged to swim their teams across and ferry the family 
and goods upon the back of a horse. It was a habit with 
settlers on arriving at their destination to make an inventory 
of their effects, and Mr. Martin's was as follows: Wife and 
three ch.; a yoke of oxen so poor that they could stand with 
difficulty ; an old wagon, and sixteen cents in money. He 
settled on W. p't of lot 3, T. 5, farm occupied by his son Jason 
at the time of his d. Mr. M. was a carpenter by trade. From 
1841 to 1845 he kept a tavern in Brocton. He was a man of 
great energy and decision of character, and manifested in a 
large degree the peculiarities of the early settler. He d. Oct. 
30, 1850. Mrs. M. d. Dec. 28, 1860. They were bu. in Brocton 
cemetery. Mr. M. was a volunteer in the war of 1812. In 
religion he was a Universalist, and in politics a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs Martin — (1) Hikam, b. Sept. 22, 
1800; m. Salome Dunham March 18, 1828; settled in P. on 
lands now owned by Geo. Churchill, p't of lots 30 and 31, T. 5 ; 
was killed on L. S- R R. some years since. (2) Lovina, b. 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 



359 



March 1, 1802; m. Russell Fitch March 20, 1820; settled in 
Pomfret ; afterward in P.; d. Aug. 29, 1848, at Brocton. (3) 
Jason, b. July 9, 1805 ; m. Alma Hill Jan., 1827 ; settled on the 
old homestead. Mrs. M. d. Oct. 12, 1870 ; Mr. M. d. Nov. 3, 
1870. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. (4) Eliza 
Langworthy,- an adopted dau., b- July 24, 1809 ; m. Harvey 
Fitch Jan. 15, 1829 ; lives in P. 

77. ETHAN A. OWEN— Came from Coos county, N. H , to 
P. in 1815, and bought a claim to p't of lot 54, T. 4. His 
article bears date Oct. 21, 1815. His wife was Anna French. 
Mr. O. established the first distillery in town, on lot 53, T. 4- 
A few years later he sold and removed to Ohio, and afterward 
to Wisconsin where he d. Politically he was a democrat. 

78. HENRY SHUFF— Came to P fi'om Coos comity, N. H.. 
in 1816. He was the son of Henry and Mary French Shirff, 
and was b. in Coos county, Aug. 17. 1788. He m. Polly 
Hulbui-t in P. April 6, 1820. Mrs. S. was b. Nov. 10, 1800. 
He settled on p't of lot 41, T. 5, buying a claim of John Druse. 
He d. Jan 9, 1821, and was bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. Mi's. 
S. m. Samuel C. Mimson March 16, 1823. Mr. S. was a 
believer in tlie christian faith ; politically he was a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Shuff.—{1) Maky F., b. Feb. 22, 
1821 ; m. Darwin Wilbur Feb. 22, 1845 ; settled in McHenry 
county, 111., in 1847. 

79. JONAS SAFFORD— Was the son of EHsha, and was b. 
in Berkshire county, Mass., March 14, 1785. He m. Martha 
Sage, dau. of Moses Sage, in Bennington, Vt., Dec. ll, 1811. 
Mi's. S. was b. May 29, 1792. They removed to Fredonia in 
1814 and to P. in 1816, and settled on the N. E. p't of lot 41, 
T. 5, farm of H. A. Blowers. His log house stood on the site 
of the house of Mr. Blowers. He occupied this house twelve 
years, selling in 1828 and removed to Pomfi-et, afterward to 
EUery, and again to P. and occupied the Coney Farm, even- 
tually selling his farm in Ellery, and with Mrs. S. lived with 
Thomas Flanders in Pomfret where he d Mrs. S. d. in Brocton 
Nov. 6, 1866, while living with Mr. Flanders. They were bu. in 



360 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Brocton cemeteiy. Tliey were both members of the Baptist 
chui-ch at Salem X Roads. Politically Mr. S. was a republican- 
Family of Mr. and Mrs. Safford.—{\) Caroline, b. in Vt. 
Oct. 3, 1812 ; m. Thomas Flanders ; settled in Ellerj, this 
county ; now lives in Erie county. (2) JA>fE, b. Jan. 18, 1815, 
in Pomfret ; m. Orlando I^ngham ; settled first in Pomfret, 
afterward in Minnesota, where she d. in April, 1869. (3) 
Juliette, b. Jan. 16, 1817 ; d. young. (4) Feank, b. Jan. 9, 
1818. in P.; m. Welthy Ann Hanchett ; lives in Marengo, 111. 
(5) John J., b. Feb. 18, 1820, in P.; d. young. (6) Martha, b. 
May 11, 1822, in P.; m. Curtis Wilbur ; now lives in Sheridan, 
this county. (7) Freeivian J., b. Jan. 14, 1825; m. Myra 
Kellogg in Iowa; now lives m Chicago, 111. (8) Jonas J., b. Mar. 
22, 1827, in P.; m. Maria Walkup in Ellery ; lives in Minnesota. 
(9) Henry C.,b. Sept. 25, 1829, inPomfi-et; m. Delia P. Risley 
of that town ; lives in Brooklyn, this state. (10) Nor-^ian S., b. 
Sejjt. 22, 1832 ; m. Sicilia Denton; settled at Marengo, 111.; d. 
there in Dec, 1859. (11) Charles, b. in P. Nov. 14, 1837; d. 
April 30, 1848. 

80. JEDEDIAH THAYER— Was b. at Mendon, Mass., Mar. 
29, 1764, and m. Rachael Adams in that state. Mrs. T. was b. 
at Brookfield, Mass., March 1, 17(57. They came from Mass. to 
P. in 1816, and settled on the N. W. p't of lot 61, T. 4, land 
now owned and occupied by Oscar Hall. His article bears date 
Feb. 1, 1817. He was a farmer and shoemaker, and like most 
of the early settlers had a large family, who were m. before 
Mr. T. came to P., but all eventually settled here and are now 
dead with but one exception Mr. T. was a Protestant ; poht- 
ically a whig. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer. — (1) Perez, settled on 
S. E. p't of lot '62, T. 4. (2) Permelia, ra. Reuben B. Patch ; 
settled on lot 4, T. 5 ; d. May 18, 1863. (3) Rhoda, (4) Royal 
O., settled on p't lot 60, T. 4 ; d. at Brocton. (5) Betsey, (6) 
Jedediah, (7) Hiram, now lives in Carroll, this county. (8) Lois, 
(9) Jonathan. 

81. MATTHEW P. VANGAASBfiEK— Came to P. from 



J 



THE TO'W'N OF POKTLAND. 361 

Woodstock, Ulster county, N. Y., in June, 1816, bringing all 
his worldly effects in a knapsack. He was the son of Abram 
and Elizabeth Hasbroek Vangaasbeek. He bought a claim to 
fifty acres of land of William Dunham, W. p't lot 27, T. 5. He 
m. Lucy, dau. of Wm. Dunham, July 10, 1816. Mrs. V. was 
b. in Colchester, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1797. She refers with charac- 
teristic earnestness to the "nonsense" of modern weddings 
and the primitive simplicity and " common-sense" of her own. 
" At that time there was no road but a trail from the lake to 
other points, so we started on foot through the woods, early 
in the morning, for the tavern of IJichard Williams, vv^here we 
had horses engaged. We mounted and rode to Canadaway, 
following tlie road then in use ; called on Henry Abell, Esq., 
had the knot tied and returned in good order the way we went. 
We sought only to please ourselves — there were few others to 
please. The wedding was a matter of our own and not a 
show for foolish people to look at and talk about." Thej- 
occupied a log house until 1849 when Mr. Y. built the house 
now on the farm and still occupied by the family. Mr. V. was 
in the war of 1812 from Ulster. He was a Universalist, and 
in early life a whig ; afterward a democrat. He d. May 16, 
1862, and was bu. in North Portland cemetery Mrs. V. is 
still living. 

Family of 3Ir. and Mrs. Vangaasbeek. — (1) William, b. Oct. 
1, 1817 ; d. Dec. 20, 1840, in P. (2) liARHiEx, b. Sept 23, 1819; 
m. John Springstead May 15, 1845 ; lives in P. (^3) Charles 
D., b. July 5, 1823 ; lives on the homestead ; not m. (4) Helen, 

b. April 20, 1828 ; m. ■ Jackson, Jan., 1872. (5) Mineeva, 

b. Sept. 17, 1833 ; m. John Tiff. (6) Elizabeth, b. Dec. 26, 
1835 ; m. J. H. Shaver ; lives in Ripley, this county. (7) 
Salome, b. Jan. 23, 1838; m. 1st Richard Waters, who d in 
1861 ; 2d Wallace Wilbur ; lives in Pa. 

82.. SIMEON WHITCOMB— Came to P. fi'om Vt. in 1816. 

His wife was Perkins, a sister of Orris Perkins. He 

settled on p't of lot 41, T. 5, farm now owned by David Gran- 
ger. His article bears date July 2, 1819. Three or four years 



362 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

later he sold and pin-chased a p't of lot 30, T. 5, of Capt. James 
Dunn, at Portland Center, farm now owned by Owen W. Powell. 
He removed to Illinois in 1855. Mr. W. was a farmer. \^See 
Distilleries.^ 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb. — (I) Martin, living in 
Michigan. (2) Lyman, living at Washington, Iowa. (3) Betsey, 
m. Hiram Haight of Westfield, this county. 

83. EBENEZER WILLIAMS— Was the son of Joseph, and 
came to P. from Sangerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., about 

1816. He settled and "cleared up' the faitn now owned by 
W. C, Warner, S. E. p't lot 14, T. 5. His log house stood on 
the ground now occujoied by the house of Mr. Warner. He 
m. in P. a sister of R. C. Weeks, some years since living at 
Portland Center. Mrs. W. d. in 1822 ; was found d. in her 
house near the fire where she had probably fallen in a fit. She 
was the first buried in Brocton cemetery. Mr. W- m. for a 
second wife Mrs. Polly Ingersoll, widow of John Ingersoll. In 
1827 or '28 Mr. W. sold to his bro. Harvey and returned to 
Sangerfield, and some years later removed to Wisconsin where 
he d. Mr. and Mrs. W. had but one ch., Morris, of whose 
fortimes the writer knows nothing. 

84. WALTER MUMFORD— Was the son of Henry, and 
came to P. about 1816. Like many of the early settlers he had 
a restless spirit and seldom remained long on any given piece 
of property. In 1819 he purchased the land comprising the 
S. E. p't of Brocton, which he sold in p't to Dr. D. Ingalls in 
1824, and purchased the farm S. of Brocton now owned by 
Linus Burton, p't lot 13, T. 5 ; in 1831 or '32 sold to Moses 
.Toy and purchased the farm now owned by Wm. Becker, p't lot 
19, T. 5; sold in 1848 and built the house at Brocton owned 
by Mrs. Morris Burr. In 1856 he removed to Wisconsin where 
he d. in 1859. Mrs- M. d. there also. Mr. M. was a man of 
some prominence, and much in town office. He was a cai-penter 
by trade. [^See Biog. Sketches, Fred. Owen.'] 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Mumford. — (1) Maky, (2) Nancy', 
(3) Sarah Ann, (4) Jane. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 363 

85. BREWEE HUBBELL— (Janie to P. from the eastern 
part of this state and settled on the farm now owned and 
occupied by Absalom Woleben, N. p't lot 40, T. 4. His article 
bears date Nov. 10, 1817. His second wife was a dau. of 
Perry Hall (No. 24). He sold in 1832 to Woleben and went 
to Illinois. 

86. ERASTLTS ANDREWS— Bro. of James and Wilson, 
lived on p't of lot 40, T. 4, farm now owned and occupied by 
(4. W. Stebbins. He lived in town but a short time. His 
article bears date Oct. 22, 1817. 

87. JAMES LEE— Located part of lot 47, T. 4. He had no 
family but lived witli Martin Smith. His article bears date 
May 26, 1817. 

88. WILLIAM COTTON— Was a blacksmith— one of the 
first in town. He located p't of lot 47, T. 4. His article bears 
date April 11, 1817. 

89. LEMUEL CRANE— Came to P. about 1817. He m. for 
second wife the wid. of William Howe. \^See Biog. Sketch W. 
Howe,'] and lived for a few ^ars on a farm formerly owned by 
Silas Houghton, now by Richard Reynolds, p't lot 1 9, T. 5 ; 
afterward on the central p't lot 33, T. 5, land now owned by 
Daniel Britcher. From here he removed to North East, Pa., 
where he d. His sons, John and Jason, by a first m., who 
for some time lived in town, also went to Pa. Mrs. C. returned 
to P. 

90. JESSE E. BALDWIN— Son of Isaac and Parthena Bald- 
win, grandson of Isaac and great-grandson of Jacob Baldwin, 
was b. in Halifax, Windham county, Vt., Oct. 24, 1796. He 
was carried by his parents to Pawlet, Vt , in Feb., 1797, and 
from there came to Sheridan, in this county, in Feb., 1812. 
In 1816 the father of Mr. B. articled p't of lot 36, T. 5, upon 
which a " slashing " was made the next year and a log house 
built. In March, 1818, most of the family removed to P., and 
" although the ground was covered with snow, in three days 
we had a snug log house built and were comfortably domiciled. 
* * * During- the season we cleared twenty-eight acres of 



364 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



land and fenced it into lots and sowed one to wheat by the 
twentieth of August- The fall being warm, by the middle of 
October the wheat was so large that we drove the cows from 
Sheridan to feed it down. The extra supply of milk was so 
great that a temporary press was made and several good-sized 
cheeses were manufactured, probably the only cheese made in 
P. on a farm where there was not an acre of grass growing. 
In 1819 our yield of wheat was bountiful and we harvested 
eight hundred bushels, which at that time was quick sale at 
$2.50 per bushel, but in Sept. had fallen to $1 00 and by the 
next March to fifty cents. In 1820, being of age, I took pos- 
session of my farm. Being then alone I needed a helpmeet 
and went to a merchant in Fredouia, not to buy a wife but to 
buy four pounds of iron to shoe my horse to assist my locomo= 
tion to find the article I needed. For the four pounds of iron 
I offered the man of goods two bushels of corn : but cash only 
would buy so precious a commodity and cash I did not possess. 
I next went to a blacksmith whc) agreed to do the job for five 
bushels of corn, making the shoes from old ones. The horse 
was shod, the wife found and we were married the twentieth 
of Feb., 1822. by Rev. Joy Handy. Mrs. B.'s maiden name was 
Martha Skiff. She v\^as b in Cambridge, Washington coimty, 
but then living in Sheridan. * * « jj^ April following we 
removed to P. and occupied the log house first built." Mr. B. 
lived in P, until 1833 when he removed to Sheridan where he 
has since resided. In his letter he gives a graphic description 
of a fearful tempest that passed over the town in Dec, 1824, 
while he was a teacher of a school in the present district 
No. 7, and of the narrow escape of the scholars on their 
return to their homes through the forest, and of the immi- 
nent peril of his own family from the stoi'm, and the rescue 
of theii^ little child from the fire, into which it had been thrown 
by the force of the wind through an open door. None, how- 
ever, were killed or fatally injured, but immense damage was 
done to timber through the entire town. So fearful was the 
storm that it was a reckoning point for the settlers for many 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 365 

years. Mrs. B. d. in P. Aug. 24, 1833, and was bu. at Brocton. 
In religion Mr. B. is a Universalist ; in politics a republican. 

Fmnily of Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin — (1) (Joknelia : b. Feb. 
4, 1S23 ; m. VV. R. Me rrell A|)ril 6, 1843; settled in Sheridan. 
(2) Philenia S.: b. Aug. 1, 1824; m. Jolm Miller Sept. 7, 1842; 
settled in Sheridan. (3) William H.: b. March 22, 1826 ; m. 
Minerva Edwards March 28, 1857 ; settled in Sheridan 

(4) Susan O.: b. Dec. 20, 1827; m. A. A Rich Oct. 12, 1856. 

(5) Benjamin F.: b. Dec. 7, 1820; ni. Caroline Edwards April 
28, 1852. 

91. JOHN CONNER— Came from Ulster county, N. Y., to 
P. in May, 1817. He settled, on p't of lot 26, T. 5, near 
Portland Station, land now owned by William Duggan. His 
article bears date May 29, 1817. His first house was a shanty 
covered with bark. Flis wife's maiden name was Helen Bogar- 
dus. Mi\ C. was a carjoenter and joiner. He d. on the farm 
he settled March 6, 1848. Mrs. C d. April 22, 1837. They 
were bu. in N. Portland cemetery. The family, like those of 
most of the early settlers, often refer to the privations of the 
fii'st few years of their pioneer life. An incident is related : 
In the fall of 1819 Mr. C. made a trip to Fredonia to purchase 
salt to cure his pork fattened in the forest and for family use. 
But salt was on a par with specie and could not be obtained 
without it, and this was an article Mr. C. could not command 
He offered wheat or corn at prices barely nominal, but to no 
purpose Somewhat disheartened he turned his horse's head 
homeward, feeling that his possessions were of little value as 
they were not sufficient to purchase a half barrel of salt. On 
arriving at Elijah Fay's he related to Mr. F. his experience of 
the day and expressed himself as discouraged at the prospect 
before him. With a charrcteristic look and expression of his, 
Mr Fay said : " Mr. Conner, call down here next Tuesday and 
I 'most guess I will have the salt for you." Mr. C. called at 
the time specified and received his half barrel of salt with a 
thankful heart 

Fafunily of Mv. and Mrs. Conner. — (1) JIahy, m. Alvin 



366 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Vancuren ; settled in Canada. (2) Peggy, b. in Ulster county ; 
m. Philip Rix. (3) John F., m. 1st Lucinda Ferris ; 2d Susan 
Palmer. (4) James, m. Nancy Correll. (5) Elizabeth, m. 
Geo. Freeman. (6) Nancy, m. Willard Burton. (7) Ezra ; m. 
Maria Correll. (8) Henky, m. Caroline Goodwin. (9) Sally, 
m. Aaron Eby. (10) Daniel, m. Eliza Rix. (11) David, m. 
Caroline Moorhouse. 

92. ORRIS PERKINS— Came from Vt. to P. in 1817. He 
m. Amelia Palmer, sister to Mrs. Zimri Hill. He bought the 
farm now owned and occupied by B. F. Pecor, pt. of lot 32, 
T. 5, in 1824, where he lived in a log house on the west side 
of the road until 1831, when he sold to Mr. Pecor. Mr. P. and 
family removed to Crawford county. Pa., in 1 832, and after a 
few years to some of the western states. Mr. P. d. in the 
west, and IVIi's- P. returned to P. where she d. For some 
years IMr. P. owned the saw mill near the mouth of Dunham's 
Creek. [See Mills.] 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Perhins. — (1) Palmer, (2) Eliza, 
(3) Hiram, (4) Laura, (5) Maria. 

93. OTIS ENSIGN— Came to P. from Sheridan, this county, 
and settled on iDt. of lot 32, T. 5, in 1817. He sold to — 
Cook, who in turn sold to Jacob Barringer, in 1835. For 
some years Mr. Ensign kept a tavern in Drmkirk. 

94. STEPHEN SM ALLEY— Came to P. fi-om Norway, Herki- 
mer county this state, in 1817. He located pt. of lot 48, T. 4, but 
returned to Norway within the next few years. He was a 
cousin of Mrs. J. S. West. 

95. ABIAL FLINT— Was the son of Ai-kalis and Betsey 
Elmer Flint, and was b. at East Windsor, Conn., Sept 5th, 
1768. He m. Mary Brown in Rome, Oneida county, this 
state, Sept. 26th, 1802. Mrs. F. was b. in Coventry, Conn. 
Nov. 30th, 1780. About 1812 they emigrated to Forestville, 
this county, and from there to P. in 1817, and settled on pt. 
of lot 36, T. 5, the farm now owned by his son Henry. He 
occupied a log house until 1833, when he built the frame 
house now upon the farm. Mr. Flint was a tanner and currier 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 367 

and shoemaker, but the great business of life as with every settler 
was clearing the land of its excessive growtli of timber. It is 
siu-prising with what cheerfulness the settlers labored. The 
prospect of the blessings of a home wrought out by their own 
hands from the wilderness was an inspiration that softened 
every toil. The family speak of hardship and privations but 
they were the inevitable lot of every early emigrant. Mi'. F. 
occupied his farm forty-three years, dying Jan. loth, IHdO, at 
the age of 91 years. Mrs. F. preceded him, dying M;ty 5th, 
1849, aged 68. They were bu. in Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. and 
Mrs. F. were Methodists, and members of the first class 
formed in town. Politically Mr. F. was a whig. 

bamily of Mr. and Mrs. Flint. — (1) Daniel, E., b. Aug. 
22d, 1805 ; m. Eliza Goddard, and settled in Shipman, 111., in 
1863. (2) Mary B., b. Apr. 23d, 1807 ; m. John Wilbur in P.; 
settled at Elgin, 111. (3) Jonathan T. b. Nov. 30th, 1809; m. 
Harriet Shiunway in Genesee county ; settled in Buffalo in 
1840. (4) Abial jun., b. May 25th, 1813 ; m. Jane Cook in P.; 
settled in Missom-i, in 1857. (5) Henry, b. Jan. 18th, 1815; 
m. Nancy A. Hall in P. ; lives on the old homestead. (6) 
Hakeiet, b. Oct. 6th, 1816; m. James Wilson of Hanover; 
is living there. (7) John W. b. Aug. 26th, 1819; m. Lovina 
McGaffan, of Youngsto^vn, this state ; settled in Brant, Erie 
county. (8) Caroline, b. Dec. 3d, 1823; m. Ephraira Ballard 
of VV estfield, this county ; settled in Silver Creek. 

96 AAEON PIERCE— Came to P. fi'om Southbury, Mass., 
in 1 8 1 6 or ' 1 7, and settled on p't of lot 34, T. 5, farm now 
owned by J. MuFadden. In 1820 he sold his claim and went 
west 

97. ALMON FOED— Came fi-om Southbmy, Mass., in I817 
or '18 ; lived with A. Pierce (No 96) on lot 34, T. 5, and went 
west with him in 1820. 

98. GEOEGE FEEEMAN— Was the son of Jonathan and 
Nellie Bazley Freeman, and b. in Delaware county, this state, 
Oct. 20, 1 795. He m. Elizabeth Conner, dau. of John Conner, 
who was b in Ulster county. They came to P. from Ulster in 

47 



368 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

Feb., i821, with an ox team and sled, and were a month on the 
road. He settled on the McCabe farm, S. p t lot 27, T. 5, and 
in 1832 upon the farm he now owns, p't lot 42, T. 5. Mr. F. 
was in the war ol 1812, fi'om Ulster county. He is a member 
of the West Baptist church in P.; politically a republican. 

Fainily of Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. — (I) Mary Ann: b. in 
Ulster county ; m. John Caldwell. (2) Jajs^e : b. in P.; not m.; 
lives with her parents, (o) Emily : b. in P.; m. James Cald- 
well (4)Eobert: b. in P.; m. Eliza House; d. in P. in 1862. 
(5) Helen: b. in I'.; m. Erastus Ellis ; lives in P. (6) Lucy: 
b. in P. ; m. Lysander Vanleuven ; lives in P. 

99. EBENEZER HARKIS— The son of Joshua and Clarissa 
Scott Harris, and was b. in Halifax, Windham coimty, Vt., 
April 4, 1799. He emigrated to Chautauqua county in 1817, 
stopping first in Hanover, then in Sheridan, and the same year 
came to P. and located in connection with Isaac Baldwin p't of 
lot 40, T. 5, owned now in p't by Wm Renouard. In 1818 he 
occupied his land and in the fall of the same year built a fi'ame 
house, supposed to be the first of its class, upon the lake road, 
in town. The fi-ame is still standing and occupied by Mr. 
Renouard. He harvested the next year two hundred and fifty 
bushels of wheat from ten acres. Wheat was worth $2.50 per 
bushel, but a rapid decline in prices took place and the next 
March it was worth but 50 cents per bushel. The decline in 
prices extended to real estate, so that in 1825 land with 
improvements would not sell at the office price in 1817 and 
interest. He sold his claim and bought of Jesse Dunham p't 
of lot 32, T. 5, land now owned in part by J. E. Harris. Upon 
this farm he lived twenty-five years. He m. Rachael Baldwin, 
dau. of Isaac Baldwin, Oct. 22, 1S20. Mrs. H. was b. in Yt. in 
1800 and emigrated to this county with her father and family 
in 1812. In early life Mr. H was a Baptist, but became 
identified Math the Universalist element in P. in 1823. Polit- 
ically he was a "Clintonian, anti-Mason, whig and republican." 
He was a man of considerable prominence, and always in town 
office. \_See Town Officers ] He removed to Sheridan, this 
county, in 1850. where he and Mrs. H. still reside 



THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



3651 



Family of Mr. and 3Irs Harris. — (1) Clarissa: b. in V. 
Sept. 3, 1821 ; m. James Quigley Feb 28, 1848; settled in F. 
Mr. Q. d. May 31, 1852. Mrs. Quigley n\. 2d Wm. Wait Aug. 
1869. (2) Filey: b. June 3, 1823; ra. John F. Arnold Oct. 
30, 1844; now lives in Nebraska. (3) Oi.ive C: b. May 4, 
1824; m. Epbraim Jones Aug. 13, 1842; settled in P. Mr. 
Jones d. at Dunkirk Feb. 10, 1862, and Mrs. Jones three days 
later. The death of Mrs. Jones was occasioned by injmies 
received by being thrown from a wagon by a passing locomo- 
tive. Both lower limbs were horribly mangled and were 
amputated the next day. The death of Mr. Jones was occa- 
sioned by the ruptui-e of a blood vessel on first witnessing the 
awful condition of his wife. They were bu. in Sheridan. (4) 
FiDELU. R.: b. in P. April 19, 1826; m. Hiram A Keid in 
Fredonia, this county, July 1, 1860. Mrs. R. is a graduate in 
medicine, having attended lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is 
now practicing- in Nebraska. (5) Lydia : b. Oct. 17, 1827 ; ni. 
Lasell Bryant Nov. 2, 1 850, at Binghampton, N. Y. Mr. B. d. 
Oct. 10, 1853 ; Mrs. B. m. Martin Carey in 1855. (6) Joseph 
Addison: b. April 29, 1831 ; m. Delia A. Skinner; settled in 
Minnesota; d. in Sheridan. (7) Emily: b. Nov. 29, 1829; m. 
Geo. S. Robinson; settled in Minnesota. (8) Mary L.: b. June 
27, 1835; m. Wm. K. Bush April, V?>. 1854; 2d David Convi« 
March 10, 1860. ^9) Manly S.: b. June 11, 1837; m. Lodoiska 
Gary Jan. i, 1866 ; lives in Dunkirk, this county. 

100 MARTIN QUIGLEY.— Mr. Quigley was b. in Queens 
county, Ireland, Nov. 28, 1 757, and emigrated to America early 
in life. He m. Mary Harrie in Schoharie county, N. Y., from 
whence they removed to P. in 1817 and settled on p't of lot 
48 T 4, farm now owned by Abram Woleben. Mrs Q. was 
b. in Germany Jan. 12, 1779. His log house stood where the 
house now stands on the farm. He d. here June 4, 1852, at 
the age of 95 years. Mrs. Q. d. Jan. 12, 1842, aged 63. They 
were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Q. were Catho- 
lics. In politics Mr. Q. was a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Quigley. — (1) Thomas : b. Nov. 28, 



370 fflSTORICAI, SKETCHES OF 

1803; m. 1st, Auatharis Southworth ; 2d, Emma Matthewson 
June 2J:, 1(S58 ; lives on p't of lot 30, T. 5, in W. p't of Center- 
ville. (2) John: b. in 1805; d. in infancy. (3) Cathaeine : b, 
Apiil 3, 1800 ; m. John Ward; settled in Canada. (4) Michael: 
b. in 1807 ; with another yoimg man was carried over Niagara 
Falls March 15, 1824 (5) Lysander : b. March 9, 1809; m. 
Jane Harris ; settled in Canada. (6) Maetin : b. in I8l0; d. 
in infancy (7) Rosena: b. May 3, 1812; m. Joseph Johnson; 
settled in Canada. (8) Elizabeth : b. Oct. 29, 1815 ; m. Martin 
P. Vanleuven ; settled in P. (9) Maktin : b. Feb 7, 1817 ; d. 
Dec 12, 1834, in P. (10 & li) John and Robeet : b. in 1819 ; 
d. young. (12) Geoege: b. May 3, 1821 ; m. Polly Moss; 
settled in Canada (13) Fanny E.: b. Dec. 29, 1823 ; d. Nov. 
29, 1844. 

101. SAjMUEL millet— Was the son of Ebenezer and 
Katharine Millet, and b. in Woodstock, Vt. He came to P. 
from Rochester, N. Y., in 1817. His wife was Margaret, dan. 
of Simon Burton; b. July 2o, 1787, in Vt. They settled on 
lot 22, T. 5, on the lake shore, occupying a log house for many 
years. A frame house built by him some years later and a new 
one built by O. W. Powell on the premises a few years since were 
bui'ned about 1869. .Vlr. M. was a farmer. He was in the war 
of 1812 fTom St. Lawi'ence county, this state, and was wounded 
in the wrist. In religion he was a Universalist, and in politics 
a republican. Mr. M. d. in .Time, 1863. and Mrs. M. d. in 
Dec , 1859. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Millet — (1) Vashni : m. Betsey 
Winter ; lives in Wisconsin. (2) Almira : d. at 1 2 years of age. 
(3) Lyman : d. at 4 years of age, (4) Alvah : m. Nancy Rich- 
ardson ; for many years lived in P. on p't lot 22, T. 5 ; now 
lives in Corry, Pa. (5) Susan : m. John Conner ; lives in 
Crawford county. Pa. (6) Ebenezar : d. young. (7) Ebenezae : 
d. young (8) Lucy Ann : m. Amos Barton ; now lives in Ohio. 
(9) Kathaeine : m. Philo Cutler ; lives in Ohio. (10) Samuel : 
d. young. (11) Simon : d. at 26 years of age. (12) Maey Jane : 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 871 

m. Owen W. Powell ; lives at Portland Center. ('.3) Martha 
M.: drowned at 12 years oi age below the falls in Slij^peiy 
Rock creek north of Brocton. (14) Samuel : d. young. 

102. JEWETT PRIME— Was b. at Keene, N. H., Dec. 4, 
1796. He was a nephew of Nathaniel Prime, the "head of the 
then eminent banking house of Prime, Ward & King, of New 
York." He was a printer by trade, and for some time was in 
the employ of Farnsworth & Spafford, book publishers at 
Windsor, Vt. He m. Fanny Smith of Hartford, Conn., a pupil 
in the school of Mrs. Emma Willard at Windsor, June 15, 1817, 
much against the wishes of his friends. Too independent in 
spirit to ask favors of his friends, he made his way west, 
intending to reach Cincinnati, Ohio, but while visiting for a 
few days with Mr. Spafford, who had removed to P., he was 
induced to purchase a tract of land, N. W. p't of lot 16, T. 5, 
now owned in part by Linus Burton, and make for himself a 
home in the ^vilderness. A log hut some twelve feet square 
was put uj) and iu due time Mr. and Mrs. Prime, both of them 
constitutionally trail and used only to the refinements of life, 
were " keeping house "' and enjoying all the sweets and what- 
ever of romance there might be of " love in a cottage " in the 
midst of a dense wilderness. This was in 1818 Mr. P. 
struggled on manfully for two or three years, when he was 
sought out by Hon. H. C. Frisbee, of the Fredonia Censor, and 
induced for a time at least to return to " types and the press." 
He worked for Mr F. for several months, and instead of 
returning to his ' homestead " he sold his claim and removed 
to Buffalo and worked in the printing office of H. A. Salsbury. 
In the fall of 1820 he removed to Cleveland and purchased the 
Cleveland 'Herald, which he i aiblished until his death, Jan. 1 1, 
1828. Mrs. P. d. there June 20, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. P. united 
-with the Baptist church in P. Aug. 10, 1820. Mr. P. was a 
man more than commonly intelligent and one of the most 
genial of companions. He used to recall the scenes of his 
early life and adventures in the wilds of P. with a great deal 
of animation, and laugh over the whole as if it were all a 



372 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

pleasing dream. Mrs. F. never liked and seldom referred to 
them. 

lamily of Mr. and Mrs. Prime. — (1) Fanny A : b. Feb. l'\ 
1819 ; m. Dr. C G. Gillet at Buffalo Nov. 6, 1836; d. July 15 
1837. (2) Emaline A.: b in P. April 22, 1821 ; came to 
Westfield, this county, from Cleveland in July, 1 834, and lived 
with Asa Farnsworth ; m. Henry C. Smith June 14, 1838. Mr. 
Smith d at Auburn, N. Y-, Aug. 12, 1850 ; Mrs. S. is now living 
at Smiths Mills, in this county. (3) Olive A.: b. in Buffalo, 
N. y., Jan 6, 182.5 ; d Aug. 18, 1826. 

103. ZURIEL SIMMONS— Was b. in Conn. He m. Sally 
Hunt, who was also b. in that state. They settled in Wash- 
ington county, N. Y., but some years later removed to Onondaga 
county. They came to P. from there in the fall of 1817 and 
settled p't of lot 31, T. 4, now the south line of the town, land 
located by their sons Philander and Hiram earlier in the season. 
The task of reaching their purchase was a tedious one, as there 
was no road thi'ough the woods from the residence of Ehsha 
Fay on lot 25, T. 5 The winter following was unusually 
severe and nearly all of their provisions were " backed " from 
Fredonia. Their one cow was kept mostly on browse ; what 
hay they had was brought on the back for one and a half miles ; 
no team could get through. In 1820 three log houses were 
built and the old shanty abandoned. In these they lived until 
1830 when a frame house was built, which in part is now 
standing and is occupied by Joseph Farrar. Mr^ S. d. upon 
this farm Jan. 19, 1846. Mrs. S. d. here Sept. 4, 1850 The 
farm was sold in 1856 by Philander, the second son, who 
removed to Jamestown, this county. Mr. S. was a Baptist, and 
politically a democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Simmoris. — (1) Hiram, (2) Phieaxdek. 
(3) Ebenezer, (4) Elvira, (5) Sally, (6) Ziba, (7) Tryphena, (8) 
Calista. 

104. PETER VANGAASBEEK— Was the son of Abram 
and Elizabeth Hasbroek Vangaasbeek, and was b, at Kingston, 
N. Y., July 10, 1793. He m. Phebe, dau. of Wm. and Lucy 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 373 

Penoyei' Dunham, aucl came to P. in 1817 from Hector, Seneca 
comity, this state. He settled on a p't of lot 27, T. 5, farm 
recently occupied by Joseph Shaver. His log house is still 
standing on the farm. He was a bro. of Mr. P. Vangaasbeek. 
He removed t(j Ohio in 1834 and to Wisconsin some years 
later, where he d in 1861. Mrs V. d. about the same time. 
Mr. V. was in the war of 1812 three years. He was a Univer- 
salist ; politically a whig. 

larnily of Mr. and Mrs. Vangaasbeek. — (1) Lucy, (2) 
Elizabeth, (3) Geouge, (4) Salome, (5) Petkr, ( 6) Elmira, (7) 
Lkwis, (S) Catharine. (!) & 10, twins,) VlAL^aNA & Lovina, (11) 
Fkank. 

105. OLIVER SPAFFORD— Was the son of John and 
Betsey Kendd Spafford, and was b. at Windsor, Vt., Jan. 27, 
1793. He came to P. fi'om there in the spring of 1817 He 
m. Lucinda, dau. of Simon Burton, who was b. in N. H. March 
15, 1793. He settled on p't lot '22, T 5, land now owned by 
T. L. Harris, and on which is situated "Vine C>lifi',' the resi- 
dence of Mr. Harris. He was a bookbinder by trade and soon 
learned that clearing land was not congenial to his tastes, and 
in 1825 removed to Fredonia and occupied the building next 
west of the old di'ug store of Charles Barritt. Three years 
later he removed to Erie, Pa. He was for some years a member 
of the firm of Farnsworth & xSpafford, book publishers, Windsor, 
Vt. Mr. S. is still living at Erie ; Mrs. S. d. there Jan. 6, 1855. 
Politically Mr. S. is republican, and for his religious sentiments 
refers the reader to the Acts of the Apostles, 3d chapter and 
1 9th verse to the end of the chapter ; also Eph. i, 9th and 10th 
verses. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Spafford. — (I) Oliver D.: b. Sept. 
15, 1817; m. Margaret Dickson in Erie in Sept., 1842. (2) 
Makgaket Ann: b. Nov. 20, 1819. (3) Elizabeth K.: b. Mar. 
22, 182] ; m. G. W. Riblett in March, 1845. (4) Charles W.: 
b. Nov 15, 18^2 ; d. in Fredonia in 1825. (5) Lucinda A.: b. 
May 12, 1825 ; d. in 1827. (6) Charlotte A.: b. Sept. 12, 182r. ; 
m. Jonas Guiniison of Erie, in 1848. (7) Mary Jane: b. Dec. 



374 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES 01 

18, 1828 ; m. S. H. Kelsey Oct. 9, 1848. (8) Elleanok L.: b. 
May 23, 1830 ; in. John B. Gunnison of Erie, Feb. 5, 1851. (9) 
Sabah M.: b. Sept. 16, 1833 ; m. James Hammond in 1855. 
(10) Chaeles R: b. Sept. 16, 1835 ; m. Carrie V. Culver. (U) 
Curtis J.: b. Aug. 23, 1837 ; was a member of Co. " I," 83d 
Reg. Pa. Vol's, and was killed at battle of Gaines Mills in June. 
1862. 

106. LEISTER RICE— Came to P. from Otsego coimty, 
N. Y., about 1817. He settled on p't of lot ^4, T. 4. He m. 
Betsey Minegar, and a few years later removed to some of the 
western states, where he d. 

107. JOHN T. MclNTYRE— Was the son of Amos and Lena 
Mclntyre, and b. in Charlton, Mass., in 1790. He m. Nancy 
Anderson, dau. of Samuel Anderson, who was also b. in Mass. 
He came to P. fi'om Cherry Valley, N. Y., in Feb., 1817. He 
settled on W. p't of lot 55, T. 4, farm so long owned by Warren 
Couch and now by Silas Aldrich. His first house was a log 
one, but he built a frame one he says " the year the Thayers 
were hung." A part of this house is still standing He sold 
to Warren Couch in 1835. Mr. McI. was in the war of 1812 
and at the battle of Queenstown. In religion he is a " Free- 
thinker." Mi'S. McI. is a Presbyterian. Politically he says : 
" The good old republican doctrines I endorse, and long may 
they wave. " " I built my log house and moved into it inside 
of a week. I was first in this county in 1810, and was at tht 
first frame barn raising in the town of Ripley. A frame barn 
was a wonder in those days. It belonged to a Mr. Cochran. 
It took all day, and the most notable feature of the whole affair 
was the large provision of whisky. Times were hard, but 
whisky was meat and drink." 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Mclntyre. — (1) Mokgan L : b. in 
1 820 ; lives at Marengo, IlHnois. (2) Henky : b. in 1823 ; m. 
Mrs. Bascomb at Marengo, 111., in 1860 ; now lives at Steam 
boat Rock, Iowa. (3) Maria : b. in 1827 ; lives at Marengo. 

108. RICHARD BERRAGE— Came to P. about 1820 and 
settled on p't of * lot 30, T. 5, a piece of lan<l now owned by 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 375 

Stephen Weld, in the west portion of the village of Centerville 
piu'chasing of Capt. James Dunn. Very little is remembered 
of him except that he was a deserter from the British army in 
Canada. He m. a dau. of Felix Merritt ; staid in town eight 
years and removed to Michigan. 

109. FELIX MEERITT— Emigrated from R. Island to 
Schoharie county, this state, in 1795. From there with his wife, 
Hopia, he removed to P. in 1817 and settled on p't of lot 48, 
T. 4, the farm now owned by G. M. Arnold. He had a family 
of 19 ch. — 12 by a fii'st marriage, and all then living in Scoharie 
county, and 7 by a second marriage. Mr. M. d. in P. in the 
house now owned and occupied by Lorenzo Powell at Portland 
Center, in 1827. The family removed to Michigan in 1828. 
Mrs. M. d. there soon after. 

t mnily of Mr. and Mrs Merritt — Those by the second m. 
were: (1) Hopia, (2) Felix, (3) John, (4) Jemima, (5) David, (6) 
LoNA, (7) Jonathan. 

110. WILSON ANDREWS— Was the son of Philarman and 
Philinda Andi-ews, and was b. in Connecticut Dec. 13, 
1788. He came to P. from Homer, Cortland county, this state, 
in 1818 and settled on p't of lot 55, T. 4, land now owned by 

Lathrop Woods. He m Neft', who was b. in Amsterdam, 

N. Y., in 1799. He d. in 1846 ; Mrs. A. d. in 1832. They 
were bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. Mr. A. was a member of 
the Presbyterian church, and in politics a whig. He was in 
Canada at the opening of the war of 1812 and his property 
was confiscated on liis refusal to enlist in the British service. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Andreios. — (1) Joseph : b. in 1818 ; 
m. Hartiet Caldwell ; settled in Chicago. Ill ; d. in Jamestown, 
N. Y., in Sept., 1869 ; bu. there. (2) William : b. in 1821. (3) 
Philinda: b. in 1822; m. Jason Bigelow ; settled in P.; 
still living. (4) Ann M.: b. in 1825 ; m. Rev. Dudley Andrews 
and settled in Ohio. (5) Charles : b. in 1826 ; m. Mary Loyd ; 
settled in Ohio. (6) Lewis, twin with Lucy: b. in 1831 ; m. 
Martha Pennock and settled in Jamestown in 1855. He was 
sheriff of Chautauqua county for the term commencing Jan. 1, 

48 " 



376 HISTORICAX SKETCHES OF 

1868. (7) Lucy, twin with Lewis: b. in 1831; m. Egbei-t 
Vanscoy ; settled in Chautauqua in 1859 ; d. the same year ; 
was ^bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. (8) Walter : b. in 1835 ; 
Hving in Chautauqua. (9) Harvey F.: b. in 1840. 

111. JAIHES ANDREWS— Was a bro. of Wilson (No. 110) 
and was b. in Vt. Jan. 7, 1794. He m. Anna Barnes, dau. of 
Calvin Barnes, July 7, 1819. He came to P. in 1818 fi'om 
Truxton, Cortland county, this state, and located a p't of lot 
55, T. 4, adjoining the farm of David Eaton on the south. His 
log house was burned in 1824 and a fi-ame one was at once 
built, which was also buined in Feb-, 1872. Mr. A. is stOl 
living, at Marengo. 111. Mrs. A. d. at that place in Aug., 
1 873. Mr. A. is a member of the Baptist church ; politically 
is a republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. — (1) (Jalvin B.: b. Oct. 
18, 1820 ; m. Ann Freeman at Coral, 111., Jan. 20, 1852; settled 
at Marengo. (2) James A., b. Aug. 24, 1822 ; m. Sarah E. 
Pelton Feb- 6, 1856 ; settled near Waverly, Iowa. (3) Lydia 
A.: b. Mar. 20, 1828 ; m. Walter T. Weed May 28, 1864 ; settled 
near Wheeling, Missouri. (4) Robert K.: b. Oct. 21, 1842; m. 
Mary A. Blackman in April, 1858 ; settled in Marengo, 111. 
(5) Racil'^kx p.: b. Api-il 10, 1836 ; m. Clifton K Howe Feb. 1, 
1860; settled at Waterloo, Iowa. (0) Nathaniel F.: b. Aug. 
30, 1843; d. Nov. 8, 1862; bu. at Bolivar, Tenn. He was a 
di-ummer of Co. " D," 15th regiment Illinois volunteers in war 
of 1861. 

112. ASA ANDREWS— Was a bro. of James and Wilson 
(Nos. 1 1 and 1 1 1) and b. in the town of PomjDey, Onondaga 
county, N. Y., March 5, 1799. He came to P. from Truxton, 
Cortland county, in Jan., 1819 He m. Harriet, dau. of Augus- 
tine and Sarah Simpson Klumph, Oct. 20, 1821. Mrs. A. was 
b. Oct. 8, 1800. They settled on the farm now owned by 
Chester Munson, N. p't lot 37, T. 5, occupying the log hoiise 
built by the father of Mrs. A. in 1811. A frame house was 
built in 1 824, which is in part standing and used as an out- 
house. Mr. A. was a farmer, and vsdth his wife is still living. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 377 

in Pomfret, this county. IVIi-. A. was for many years in town 
office and two years supervisor. Politically he is a republican. 
Family of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. — (1) Sarah: m. Henry 
Soper Oct., 1844; d. in P. July 31, 1855; bu. in Evergreen 
cemetery. (2) Nathaniei, W.: m. Harriet Fariugton in Jan., 
1854 ; lives in Stockton, this county. (3) Harriet K.: not m. 
(4) Elizabeth S.: m. Chauncey Mallory May 23, 1855 ; d. at 
South Haven, Mich., Sept. 10, 1868. (5) Asa A.: m. Eliza Ely 

Hq^c, 1855. (6) Thomas K., (7) James F. L.: m. ; lives 

in Pomfret. (8) Helen : not m. 

113. CHRISTOPHER, SAMUEL and LEWIS McMANUS 
— Came to P. about 1818, but from where is not known. They 
lived for a few years on the farm now owned in part by Linus 
Burton, p't of lot 21, T. 5. Lewis was killed in 1822 by the 
fall of a tree near his house and was bu. at Brocton, the second 
bu- there. Of the others little is known, except that Christo- 
pher d. in Hanover, this county, June 14, 1849, aged 96 yea^i's. 

114. MOSES TITCOMB— Settled on p't of lot 1 6, T. 5, in 
1818. He was a joiner by trade, a little eccentric, and unsteady 
in his habits. He sold his claim to Alfred Skinner in 1819 and 
soon left town. 

115. ELEAZER UTTER.— It is not known where Mr. Utter 
came from, or when he came to P., but probably in 1816 or '17. 
For some years he owned a p't of lot 22, T. 5, land since owned 
by Joshua Crosby and T. Goodwin. He sold his claim to 
John Bond and removed to Dunkirk, this county. He was a 
man of excellent attainments and taught school in Dunkirk as 
early as 1820. 

116. JAMES BARNES— Was the son of William, and b. 
May 5, 1796. He m. Amanda Noble .Jan. 26, 1818, who was b. 
June 4, 1798. They removed to P. fi'om Rome, Oneida county, 
this state, in Aug., 1818, with an ox team. He settled near 
the center of l>)t 53, T. 4, living in a log house until 1836 when 
he built the house now on the farm and occupied by the family- 
He was a man of untiring energy and cleared up a large farm. 
Prospect station is located on the Barnes estate. In pohtics he 



378 



HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 



was a whig and republican respectively. He d. Jan. 19, 1854. 
Mrs. B. is still living. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Barnes — (1 ) Alpha : b. June 8, 
1823 ; m. Sarah L. Bigelow Dec. 22, 1847 ; occupies the old 
homestead. (2) Calista : b. March 28, 1826; d. May 3, 1846. 
(3) Koxy: b. March 9, 1829; m. Thomas Ai-nold June 16, 
1847 ; now living in Minnesota. (4) Delos : b. Jan. 28, 1831 : 
m. Caroline Wilson in Jan., 1858 ; removed to Leavenworth, 
Kansas. 

117. FREDERICK BAIL— Was the son of Hendrick Con- 
radt and Sarah Hotchkiss Bail, and was b. at Norfolk, Conn , 
Dec. 12, 1785 He m. Elizabeth, dau. of Isaac Baldwin, in 
Sheridan, this county, Jan. 13, 1814. Mrs. B. was b. in Halifax, 
Vt., Jan. 13, 1795. They removed to P. in Aug., 1818, and 
settled on p't of lot 36, T. 5, farm now owned by Henry Rey- 
nolds. He lived in a shanty for some months, but soon built 
a log house in which he lived to 1829 'when he removed to lot 
42, T. 5, where he lived until 1835. He then removed to Pa., 
where he d. in 1872. Mrs. B. d. there Dec. 17, 1839. Mr. B. 
Was a blacksmith by trade. He was in the war of 1812 for 
several months. In politics he was a whig ; and for several 
years was a member of the first Congregational chui'ch formed 
in P. The father of Mr. Bail was a " Hessian," and with others 
was attached to the British army in the revolutionary war. 
He was taken prisoner by the Colonists, and after being 
exchanged, deserted and for many years lived in Connecticut, 
where he m. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Bail. — (1) Parthena: b. Feb. 23, 
1815 ; m. Hiram Smith Jan. 8, 1835 ; settled in Pomfret. (2) 
Sar.ah: b. May 17, 1816 ; m. in Pa. (3) Clarissa H.: b. June 6; 
1818 ; d. Oct. 18, 1845. (4) Elizabeth: b. March 11. 1820, 
m. in Pa. (5) Willl^^i C: b. Nov. 4, 1821 : m in Pa. (6) 
Maria: b. Sept. 11, 1823; m. in Pa. (7) Isaac S.: b. June 30, 
1825 ; m. in Pa. 

118. WILLIAM HEFRON— Came to P. in 1818 and was in 
the employ of Zadoc Martin until the following spiing. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



379 



Nothing is known of his early life. In 1819 he m. Olive Hill, 
dan. of Lewis and Polly Hill, and two years later he pui'chased 
a claim to 50 acres of land, S. E. p't of lot 3, T. 5, now owned 
and occupied by Landais Lathrop. About 1829 he sold his 
claim to Albina Hall and removed to Michigan. He was Infidel 
in his religious views. 

Family of Mi . and Mrs. Hefron. — (1) Mykon, (2) Lkwis, (3) 
Almeda. 

119. COLLINS BRADLEY— Came to P. fi'om Coos county, 
N. H., in 1818 and purchased a claim to 60 acres of land, part 
of lot 54, T. 4. He m. Louisa Hutchins, dau. of Calvin Hutch- 
ins, in P. Some years later he sold his claim and removed to 
Dunkirk, this county, where he d. His wife is still living, 
with a dau., in Summit county, Ohio. Politically Mr. B. was 
a whig. 

120. CALVIN HUTCHINS— Came to P. in 1818 and settled 
on p't of lot 46, T. 4. Little has been learned definitely in 
regard to him His eldest dau. m. Collins Bradley (No. 119) 
and is now living in Summit county, Ohio, a widow. 

121. OBADIAH SIMPSON— Came to P. from Canada in 
1821 and bought a claim to p't of lot 54, T. 4, land now owned 
by Louisa Kessler. He occupied a log house at first but in a 
few years built a frame one, which a few years since was 
removed to Westfield. In 1832 or '33 he removed to Ohio, 
where he d. a few years later. 

122. JOHN BOWHALL— Was the son of Casper and 
Margaret Countryman Bowhall, and was b. in Schoharie county, 
N. Y., March 29, 1798. He came to P. in March, 1818, his 
mother .a widow) coming soon after. He settled on p't of lot 
39, T 4, then supposed to be the highest point of land in town, 
now owned by J. Kelsey and others. Oct. 11 of that year he 
m, Margaret Klumph, dau. of Jeremiah Klumph. They lived 
upon this fann eleven years, then removing to Fredonia, this 
coimty, and after eight years to Springfield, Pa., afterward to 
Detroit, Michigan, and in 1851 to Painesville, Ohio, where 
Mr. B still lives. Mrs. B. d. there May 8, 1868. A dau. of 



380 



HISTORICAT. SKETCHES OF 



Mr. B. gives a graphic description of the privations and hard- 
ships of many of the early settlers: "It was almost impossible 
to get work of any kind. Father worked one month for a Mr. 
Ellsworth for thirteen dollars and board. Money was scarce 
and hard to get. One year his taxes were seventy-five cents, 
and he worked tlu-ee days splitting rails for the money to pay 
them. At that time he had wheat and com to sell, and paid 
three bushels of wheat for ^fumping his ax to split rails with. 
* * * Salt was six cents per i^oimd, and not always to be 
had at that ; other things in proportion. Every one wanted to 
buy, but few had anything to sell, but in a few years eveiy one 
had a plenty of produce to sell, but few wanted to buy. A 
bushel of corn was worth just two pounds of salt, and five 
bushels of wheat a pound of tea. Pork was plenty for it could 
be fattened in the woods, and maple sugar was made in abun- 
dance. Sugar parties in their season were a great institution. 
They would go miles through the woods with ox teams to such 
gatherings, and eat their sugar with wooden spoons made for 
the occasion." Mr. B. is a cabinet maker. In politics he is a 
republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Bowhalh — (])nii;AM, (2) Margaret, 
(3) Cordelia, (4) John, (5) Etta, (6) Nellie, (7) Emma, (8) Myra, 
(9) Henry, (10) Amanda. All but the last three m. 

123. WOLCOTT COLT— Was b. in Sandisfield, Mass., July 
28, 1 800. He came to P. in 1 822, and in March, that year, he 
jtrticled p't of lot I'JjT. 5, farm now owned by his son ('handler. 
He m. Betsey, dau. of Samuel Munson, in 1824 Mrs. (.-. was b. 
in Oneida county. N. Y., in April, 1800. They lived upon their 
farm until 1856 when they removed to the Baptist parsonage, 
on p't of lot 26, T. 5, place now owned by Hiram Burton, where 
Mrs. C. d. Oct. 7, that year. Mr. C. is still living, near North 
East, Pa. He was a bro. of Mrs. Nath. Beeder (No. 158). Mr. 
C. is an earnest member of the Protestant Methodist church : 
politically a republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Colt. — (1) Franklin : m. Angelina 
Simmons. (2) Milton: m. Mary Spencer. (3) Mehcelia : m. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 381 

Jehial H. Grant. (4) Chandler : m. Merab A. Onthank. (5) 
Maryktte : d. in Oct. 1 856. (G) Sarah Ann : m. Collins Haight. 

124. BENAJAH JORDAN— Was a native of Coos conuty, 
N. H., and came to P. in April, 1818- His wife's maiden name 
wa's Brainard. • lie settled on p't of lot 61, T. 4, after a few 
years residence in town, buying a claim of xYndrew McAllister- 
Some years later he built the house now standing on the farm 
owned and occupied by Walter Buss Mr. J. was a Protestant 
in his religious faith, though not a professor ; and in politics a 
democrat. He d. July 19, 1865, aged 88. Mrs. J. d. Jan. 10, 
1857, aged 70. 

125. ANDREW McALLISTER— Came from Coos county, 
N. H., to P. in April, 1818, and settled on p't of lot 61, T. 4, 
occupying a small log house. He lived in town but a few years. 
He sold his claim to Benajah Jordan 

126. JEREMIAH KLUMPH— Was the son of John Thomas 
Kliunph, a German and a soldier in the English army in the 
French and Indian war, and Margaret Davis, his wife, and b. 
at Albany, N. Y., about 1763. He came to P from Otsego 
county, this state, in June, 1818, and settled on p't of lot 47, 
T. 4, land now owned by Wm. Finley and others. He first 
located (m 1809) all of lot 19, T. 5, and in 1812 all of Jot 37, 
T. 5, but never occupied them. His w. was Amanda Norton. 
Mrs. K. d. in Otsego in 1817. Mr. K. while a youth was in 
some capacity attached to the army of Washington, then occu- 
pying a position above New York city on the Hudson. He was 
a Methodist ; politically a whig. In 1 83(5 the family removed 
to Detroit, Midi., where Mr. K. d. in Oct. 1855. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Margaret: m. John 
Bowhall ; d. in Painesville, Ohio, in 1868. (2) Philip: d. in P. 
in 1819 ; bu. on the farm. (3) Ei.on : d. in P. in 1827 ; bu. in 

W. & P. U. cemetery. (4) Nelson : m. ■ Stevens ; d. in 

Michigan in 1863. (5) Louisa : m. Wilson ; lives in Mich. 

(6) Mary : m. Wilson ; lives in Mich. (7) Ekastus : also 

lives in Mich. (8) Amanda : m. Vansickle ; d. in VanBuren 

county, Mich., in 1839. 



382 



HISTOEICAX SKETCHES OF 



127. JACOB W. KLUMPH— Was the bro. of Jeremiah (No. 
126) and was b. in Albany or Otsego county, this state, about 
1765. He m Catharine Bowhall, who was b. in Herkimer 
county in 1786. They came to P. in 1816 and settled on p't of 
lot 39, T. 4, laud now owned by T. McWhir and others. Mr. 
K. d. in P. in 1823, and by his du-ections was bu. on his farm 
a short distance from his house between two large rocks, where 
he still rests. The family remained upon the farm until 1834 
or '35, when they sold and removed to Michigan. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Klumph. — (1) Benson, (2) Jeeey, 
(3) Augustine, (4) Elizabeth, (5) Alfeed, (6) Amelia, (7) Joseph. 
Jerry d. in P. in 1833. 

128. NEHEMIAH DUEAND— Was the son of Fisk and 
Polly E. Pratt Durand, and was b. in Milford, Conn,, March 
21, 179G. In 1819, in company with his brother Fisk, he 
emigrated to Westfield, this county. He m. Philena Dean, dau. 
of Gilbert and Abigail Ballard Dean, in 1825. Mrs. B. was b. 
in Mass. in 1806. In 1826 he removed to P. and settled p't of 
lot 63, T. 4, farm now owned and occujDied by Elisha Tower. 
Mr. D. built the house now occupied by Mr. Tower. He 
lived in town about 26 years, removing again to Westfield. 
and some years later to Waupun, Fond du Lac county. Wis., 
where he still resides. Mr. D. was a carpenter and joiner by 
trade ; a member of the Congregational church in P., and 
politically a rejDublican. 

Family of Mr. and Mi^s. Durand. — (1) Daniel : b. in West 
field. (2) Edwin, (3) William, (4) Hoeace, (5) Hoeace, (6) Mason, 
(7) Francis: b. in P. (8) Sarah, (9) Polly, (10) Platt, (11) 
Gilbert, (12) Philena : b. in Westfield after a removal there 
fi'om P. 

DAVID McGregor— Was the son of Robert, and was b. 
at Mansfield, Mass., in 1744. His wife was Elizabeth Holland. 
He was educated at Dartmouth college, N. H., and followed 
teaching school for most of his life. He was a soldier of the 
revolution and was promoted to caj^tain and served diu-mg the 
war. He removed to P. fi-om Watertown, N. Y., in the spring 



I 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 383 

of 1818, and occupied a house on the farm of Lemuel Munson. 
The remains of the stone chimney are still to be seen. He 
taught school in P , Mayville andlliijley. For a few years he 
lived in Fredonia in a house a Httle west of the store of Todd 
& Douglass, now the bank of H. J. Miner, lie returned to P. 
and lived with his son Stephen on the Ptck fcam, p't of lot 29, 
T. 5. He d. in Mayville July 4, 1828, aged 84, and was bu. 
with Masonic honors. Mrs. McG. d. the same year. They 
were bu. at Niayville. Mr. McG. was a member of the Presby- 
terian church. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. McGregor. — (1) Stephen: b. in 
Mansfield, Mays.; ni. Huldah Jones in 1819; settled on p't of 
lot 29, T. 5, in P.; d. at Dewitt^dlle, this coimty, Feb. 20, 1841 ; 
wid. m. Ehjah Thayer, and d. Aug., 1860, in Tompkins county, 
this state: bu. there. (2) David: b. in Mass.; m. Clarissa 
Muuson iu Utica, N. Y., in I8l3 ; settled in P. in 1818, on p't 
of lot 48, T. 4, farm now owned by S. A Hatch ; d. in P. May 
26, 1842 ; wife d. in Pomfret in April, 1868 ; both bu. in 
Evergreen cemetery. (3) Mauy : b. in Mass.; m. Wm. Yan- 
dreser ; removed to Genesee county, this state, and d. there. 

130. SAMUEL MUNSON— Was b. in Conn. July 9, 1762 ; 
He m. Martha Barnes, who was b. July 6, 1761. They removed 
to P. from New Hartford, Oneida county, N. Y., in the winter 
of 1818-19. They were a month on the road and a full week 
from Buffalo to P Owing to the severity of the weather the 
family suflered severely'. At one point the wagon became 
fi'ozen into the slush and sand on the beach of the lake and he 
was obliged to unload it and chop it out with axes. He settled 
on p't of lot 41, T. 5, occupying a log house until 1828 when 
the frame house now on the farm was built. It is now occupied 
by his son Samuel. Mr. M. was a farmer, but from the neces- 
sities of the times occasionally engaged in mechanical pursuits. 
" He was a believer in the christian faith : m politics a '76 
whig." He d. in P. Feb. 27, 1841. Mrs. M. d. Dec. 5, 1845. 
They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. All the ch. were b. in 

49 



•^84 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Oneida county and came to P. at different times, four only 
coming with their parents. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. 3Tun.H0h. — (1) Lucy: m. John ToAver ; 
settled in P Oct. 1818; d. in P. in Sept., 1838. (2) David: 
came to P. in 1830 ; never m., bought and lived on p't of lot 8, 
T. 4. where he d. in I860. (;',) Lemuel: came to P. in 1814 : 
m. Clarissa Thomas ; settled on p't of lot 48, T. 4, in 1819, 
where he d. in 1870. (4) MAitiHA ; m. David B. Granger; 
settled in P. in 1810 ; d. there Oct. 4, 18tt2. (5) Clakissa : b. 
Feb. 22, 1795; m. David McGregor [No. 129] Jan. 11 1818 ; 
settled in P.; d. April, 1828. (6) Betsey: b April, 1800 ; m 
Wolcott Colt in 1824; d. in P. Oct. 7, 1856. (7) Samuel C: 
b. March 14, 1803; came to P. with his father in 1818; m. 
Mis. Polly Shuff March 16. 1823; settled on pt of lot 41, T. 
;';, the old homestead, where the}^ still reside. (8) Chester : b. 
July, 18.04; came to P. with his father in 1818: m. Lovisa 
Hulburt in 183(5 and settled on the farm on which he now 
resides, p't lot 37, T. 5, in i849. 

131. JOHN TOWER— Was the son of — Tower, a seafaring 
man, who for many years lived in Vt. He m Lucy, a dan of 
Samuel Munson, and came to P. from New Hartford, Oneida 
county, this state, in Oct., i8l8. In common with most settlers 
who came into town from the east, the family refer to the 
horrors of the Cattaraugus woods. There had been a heavy 
fall of snow, which was fast disappearing before the warm rays 
of an October sun, and the whole swamp was covered with 
water and slush from two to three feet deep. In passing 
through it one of the horses lost his footing and went down 
and out of sight, and was only rescued by the plunging in of 
Mr. T. and his assistant and unloosening it from its fastenings. 
He lived in the town of Chautauqua for a year, but returned 
and bought of John Price a piece of land where Price built 
his first cabin, on S. E. comer of his farm, p't of lot 38, T. 5 ; 
also five acres of Richard Birge, adjoining, with a log house. 
He afterward built a frame house and barn and a tannery. 
ISee Tanneries.'] He d. June 29, 1855. Mrs. T. d Sept. 2, 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 385 

1838. Mr. T. made no profession of religious faith ; in politics 
he was a democrat. The family of Mr. and Mrs. T. were all b. 
in Oneida connty, Vmt all living were m. in P. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Toioer. — (1) R W. Towkr: b. Oct. 
29, IS'U; m. Sophia Grain of P., Jan. 12. 1834. (2) Julia A.: 
b. March 11, 1807 ; m. Russel Stone of Westfield, Oct. 12, 
182(3 ; now lives at Fairwater, Fond dii Lac county, Wis. (3) 
Mahy S : b. Sept. 29, !808 ; ra. Oliver W. Bnrch Mar. 8, 1827 ; 
d. March 2, 1851 ; bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. Mr. B. lives 
in Westfield, this county (4j Frederic A.: b. April 24, 1810 ; 
m. Aimira Taylor Sept. 5, 1837 ; now. lives in North East, Pa. 
(5) Martha A : b. Feb. 12, 18i2; d. July 14, 1813; bu. in 
Oneida county. (6) Sally A.: b. Sept. 30, 1813; m. Isaac 
Durand April 29, 1884 ; lives in Lancaster, Grant county, 
Wisconsin. 

132. WILLIAM HOWE— Was the son of Samuel and 
Sarah Rose Howe, and was b. in Brantford, Conn He came 
ot P. fiom Oneida county, N. Y , in 1818, and settled on the 
farm now owned and occupied by E. Denison, K. p't lot 24, 
T. 5, but in 1821 sold to Jacob Bump 2d, and bought a claim 
to p't of lot 1 7, T. 5, land now owned by J. W. Scott and Nath. 
Titus. In 1822 he sold the east half of this claim to Jacob 
Bump, 1st. who sold to Ithuel rhurchill in 1833 or "34. In 
! 825 he sold the west half to .1 ohn Potter, .who sold to Dana 
Churchill in 1^33. Soon after Mr H. removed to Buffalo, 
Erie county, but soon d. Mrs. H. returned to P. and m. Lemuel 
Crane, and lived for a few years on p't of lot 19, T. 5, farm 
formerly owned by Silas Houghton and now by Richard Rey- 
nolds ; afterward on central p"t of lot 33, T. 5, farm now owned 
by Daniel Britcher. From there he removed to North East, 
Pa., where he d. Mrs. C. returned to P. and lived with Wolcott 
Colt, a nephew. A few years since she was living in Buffalo 
Mr. and Mrs. H. had no family but an adopted dau. 

133. STEPHEN WHITCHER— Settled on p't of lot 60, T. 
4, about 828, farm originally settled by Aaron Hall. Nothing 
further has been learned of him. 



386 msTORicAi, sketches of 

134. HENRY SPENCER— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- 
ming county, N. Y., in 1818 or '19. He bought a claim to p't 
of lot 16, T. 5, of Alfi-ed Skinner in 1823, land on which Alfred 
and Chester Skinner first settled in 18! 9. He sold his claim 
in 1835 and lemoved to Ohio. 

135. CHESTER SKINNER— Is a bro. of David (No. 135) 
and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y., Jan. 14, 1799. 
His ancestors were from Conn. He came to P. in March, 1819, 
but returned the next winter and in Jan., 1820, m. Betsey 
Goodrich, who was b. in Newbury, Mass., Dec. 27, 1796. They 
removed to P. the next month and settled on p't of lot 1 6, T. 
5, land now owned by his son Horace, near an orchard now 
standing and set by Mr. S. in 1821. In 1823 they removed to 
their present residence at Brocton, purchasing p't of lot ! 9, T. 
5, of Moses Joy. He lived three years in a shanty standing 
between the present house and barn, but in 1826 built the 
frame house now on the farm. The stories of privations and 
hardships given by Mr. and Mrs. S. are the same given by 
others and need not now be repeated. Such was the lot of all 
the early settlers and can hardly be appreciated by those now 
occiipying the farms reclaimed by them from a state of nature 
to pleasant and in many cases elegant homes. Mr. and Mi's. S. 
are still living 

JBamily of Mr., and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Jane: b July 16, 
1821 ; m. Josiah Hall; lives in Brocton. (2) Daniee : b- Oct 
3, 1^23; m. 1st, Laura Hadden ; 2d, .Fane Burr; lives in P. 

(3) Horace: b. Mar. 18. 1825; m. Harriet Moss; lives in P. 

(4) Julia Ann : b. Mar. 15, 1828 ; m. J. B. Haywood ; lives in 
Brocton. (5) Andrew J.: b. July 3, 1830, m. Ellen Killer; 
lives in Brocton. (6) Sarah E.: b. Feb. 10, 1S36; m. Cornelius 
Maloney ; lives in Brocton. Mr M. was killed by an accident 
on the B., C & P. R. R. Dec. 24, 1872. 

136. ALFRED SKINNER— Was a bro. of Chester and David 
(Nos. 135 and 136) and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, 
N Y., March 26, 1800. He came to P. in 1819 and bought a 
claim to p't of lot 16, T. 5, with his bro. Chester. Three yeai'S 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 387 

later he purchased the interest of his bro. but soon sold to 
Henry Spencer and bought the farm now owned by Ijuther 
Harmon in Pomfret, p't of lot 59, T. 5, R. 12. He lived on this 
farm until 1849. He m. Huldah White, dau. of Benj. Wliite, 
in May, 1824. Mrs. S. was b. in Chester county, N. Y , July 
27, 1803. Mr. S. d. in Sherman, this county, Jan. 20, 1872. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Iantiia : b. Mar. 23, 
1827; m. James Renne in 1847; d. in Fredonia Nov. 8, 1861. 
(2) Lyman W.: b. April 25, 1829 ; m. 1st, Belinda Hadden, who 
d. Aug. 27, 1868; 2d, Helen Gibbs in Sherman, this county: 
lives in P. (3) Delia Ann: b. July 25, l83i ; m. Addison 
Harris ; lives in Sheridan. (4) James A. H.: b. March 26, 

1834 ; m. Eliza S. Simons ; lives in Brocton. (5) Benjamin F.: 
b. July 23, 1836 ; m. Sarah Guild ; lives in Fredonia, N. Y. (6) 
Cathakine M.: b. Oct. 31, 1839; m. John Page ; lives in Sher- 
man. (7) Theodore W.: b Feb. 28, 1842 ; m. Jane McDoyle ; 
lives in Sherman. (8) Janette: b. Oct. 6, 1844; not m. (9) 
HuLDAH E.: b. Feb. 19, 1847; m, Amos C. Loomis ; lives in the 
town of Chautauqua. 

1 37. DAVID SKINNER— Was the son of Daniel and Harriet 
Skinner, and was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, N. Y., Aug. 
12, 1803. He and his bro. Alfred came to P. m Oct., 1819. He 
purchased a p't of lot 16, T. 5, but soon sold and in 1824 bought 
a claim of .Toel Smith, farm now owned by Franklin Griswold, 
M. p't lot 18, T. 5. Upon the side hill back of the house of 
Mr. Griswold he built a small frame house, now occupied by 
.1. II. Burroughs on the same lot. He sold to Samuel Hull in 

1835 and in 1 838 bought the farm of Almon Taylor where he 
now resides, S. p't lot 35, T. 5. He purchased the Taylor 
farm, N. p't lot 34, T. 5, of Richard Reynolds in 1855. Mr. S. 
m. Betsey Hill, dau. of Lewis Hill, Dec. 25, 1825. Mrs. S. was 
b. Aug. 14, 1803, and d. Dec. 22, 1836. His second m. was 
with Mary Williams, dau. of Elial Williams of P., Oct. 9, 1837. 
Mr. S. is a man of great energy and formerly of great endu- 
rance, and when clearing land was first in order with the 
settlers ; he chopped, and without aid, over 500 acres, and says 



388 HiSTORicAi: sketches of 

tliat he '-never was beat with an ax." He is at present, how- 
ever, greatly disabled from rheumatism, induced by excessive 
toil. Mr. S. is democratic in political sentiment. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — -By the first m-, ( 1) 

Joseph: b. March 13, 1827; m. Antoinette Morley ; lives in 

„ Michigan. (2) Homek : b. June 6, 1829 ; m. Martha P^uller ; 

lives in P. (3) Lkstkr: b. May 12, 1831 ; m. ■; wife lives 

in Boston, Mass. (4) Roxy Ann: b. Feb. 12, 1833 : m. Mortimer 
Francis; lives in Pomfret. (5) Franklin: b. April 16, 1835; 
m. Catharine O'Neil ; lives in P. By the second m., (1 ) Elial 
W.: b. Sept. 30, 1838; m. Betsey Haight ; lives in P. (2) 
George W.: b. Sept. 30, 1840; m. Susan Jane Taylor; lives 
in I'\ (3) Maky Jane : b. May 2, ; 842 ; m. John Gordon ; lives 
in P. 

138. ALBERT SKINNER— Is a bro. of Chester, and came 
to P. with him when but a child and lived with him until he 
was 19 years of age with the exception of two or three years. 
He was b. in Norwich, Chenango county, Dec. 25, 1817. He 
m. Matilda Mills in P. Jan. 1, 1842. For 28 years he has occupied 
the same house on N. Div. St., Brocton, previously for two 
years occupying the fann on which is situated "'Vine Clilf," the 
residence of T. L. Harris. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Skinner. — (1) Helen Mark : b. 
April 29, 1844 : m. Amariah C. Russ ; lives near Mayville, thi>? 
county. (2) Af.BERT L.: b. Jan. 16, 1846; m. Julia Evans in 
Chenango county ; lives there. (3) Alfred : b. June i4, I84ii : 
d. Jan. 6, 1852. (4) Harriet M.: b. Aug. 7, 1856. (5) Lester: 
b. April 8, 1 869. 

139. SAMUEL COOK— Was b. in Pawlet, Vt., June, 1795. 
He emigrated to Sheridan, this county, and from there to P. in 
Sept., 1810. He m. a dau. of Daniel Baldwin, who was b. June 
19, 1795. Mr C. bought a claim to the land now oMTied 1>t 
Clark Walker, central p't lot 3 '3, T. 5. A frame house built by 
him was removed by Mr. Walker a few years since His article 
bears date March 30, 1829 Mrs. Cook d. in P. in 1856. Mr. 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 389 

C d. in Crawford county, Pa., in 1862. He was a .Universalist ; 
politically a wliig and republican. 

140. SAMUEL ANDERSON— Was the son of James and 
Percy Lyons Anderson. His father was fi'om Ireland and his 
mother from England. He m. Jerusha Lyons and came to P. 
from Scipio, Cayuga county, N. Y., in Jan., 1819. He purchased 
a claim to p't of lot 55, T. 4, farm immediately south of that 
formerly owned by Warren Couch. Mi\ A. was a revolutionary 
soldier. He had no religious creed ; in politics he was a 
democrat. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson. — (1) Polly : m. Holdeu 
Sisson ; d. within a few months. (2) Jane : m. Wm. A. Stetson. 
(3) Sally : never m. (4) Nancy : m. John T. Mclntyre ; still 
living, in Iowa. (5) Sophia : m. Philip Kane ; living at Little- 
ton, Iowa. (15) Samuel : m. Betsey Taylor ; d. in California. 
(7) Betsey: m. John Wentworth, who for some years kept a 
tavern in Westfield this county ; was left a wid. in 111. but m. 
again. 

141. JOHN LIGHT— Was formerly from Stillwater, Sara- 
toga county, but came from Butternuts, Otsego county, to P. in 
1818 He settled on the farm now owned by Ed. Underbill, 
S. p't lot 27, T. 5, where he d. about 1S27 — was found dead 
in the field. Mrs. L. d. the next day. Mr. L. was seven years 
in the Continental army. All of his sons were in the army in 
the war of 1812- Mr. and Mrs. L. and most of their family 
were members of the Baptist church in P. 

Fatnily of Mr. and Mrs. Light. — (1) Abigail : m. Ezra 
Eellows in Saratoga county, where Mr. F. d. in 1 820. Mrs. F. 
came to P. in 1825 and pui'chased the Nathan Fay farm, p't of 

lot. 25, T, 5. (-) Jacob : m. Rachael ; lived for sometime 

i)u the farm now owned and occupied by D. L\ Benjamin. He 

d. in Michigan. (3) John : m. Prudence ; d. at Butter 

nuts, N. Y. (4) William : m. Ruth Allen ; was afterward 
twice m.; lived on the farm now owned by A. A. Moon, in 
Pomfi-et ; d. in Westfield, this county. (5) Elizabeth : m. 
1st, Samuel Ketclium ; '2d. Calvin Wooden : lived on p't of 



390 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

McCabe farm. (6) Israel : m. Polly Price, dau. of John Price. 
Mrs L. is living in Hanover, this county, and Mr. L near 
Flint, Michigan. 

142 HENRY MUMFORD— Came to P. fiom Jefferson 
county, N. Y., about 1819 and for a short time occupied the 
place now owned and occupied by the writer in Brocton. He 
bought the Pitt Crandall farm, p't of lot 15, T. 5, where he 
lived for some years, but becoming interested in the Mormon 
faith, with the larger portion of his fi^mily went to Kirtland, 
Ohio, in 1836. He d. soon after. A son m. Hannah Crosby, 
a dau. of Joshua Crosby, and joined the hegira for the 
promised inheritance, and as far as now known is living in 
Utah. 

143. ROSWELL BEACH— Settled on farm now owned by 
Wm. Becker, central p't of lot 19, T. 5, in 1819. He d. here 
after a few years. He had two sons, Maple and Roswell, and 
one dan.. Flora, who m Joseph Harris, son of Wm. Harris 
(No. 53). 

144. ISAAC HUBBARD— Came to P. from Genesee county, 
N. Y. , in 1 8 1 9. He m. Orpha, sister of Wm. Thayer. [See 
152.] For some time he owned the Pratt farm, p't of lot 28, 
T. 5. " He was a restless character," and seldom remained 
long in the same locality. He d. in Indiana but a few years 
since. His w. d. in Iowa. 

145. HENRY HOWARD— Came to P. as early as I8l!i 
and for several years lived with Richard Williams. Hem. a 
dau. of Oliver Barnes, many years since living near Fredonia. 
this county. In 1 821 he settled on p't of lot 4, T. 5, R. 13, and 
p't of lot 62, T. 5, R. 12, farms now owned by D. P. Benjamin 
and E. B. Walden. About 1830 he sold to Eli Graves and 
went to the south part of the county. 

146. MANSUR BROWN— Was b. in Canterbuiy, Conn., in 
1794. In 1813 he m. Chloe Martin, who was b. in Thomj^son, 
Conn., in 1797. He came to the "j)urchase" in 1818 and 
bought a claim to p't of lot 18, T. 5, farm since owned by Dea. 
Henry Reynolds and others. In 1819 he removed with his 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 391 

family, a one horse wagon containing the family and their 
etfeets. He occupied a log house until 1 830 when he built a 
frame house, now standing on the north side of the road oppo- 
site the farm. About 1 835 Mr. Brown sold to Henry Reynolds 
and removed to Haytield, Crawford county. Fa., and subse- 
quently to Grandville, Michigan, where he d. March 17, IS (3 7 
Mr. B. was a wagon maker, and built and occupied for some 
years the shop now owned and occupied by O. N. Fay, on S. 
W. p't of lot 19, T. 5. He was a man of great physical endu. 
ranee and untiring energy. He was a free-will Baptist ; 
politically a republican 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Broion. — (1) JohnM.: b. Oct. 7, 
1815 ; m. Maria Churchill, dau. of Dea. Dana Churchill, Oct 
19, 1836 ; lived in P. mitil 1818 ; since then lived in Va. and 
Pa. and now in Jamostown, Michigan. (2) Louisa: b. in 
• 1818 ; m. Squire L. Gitchel in P. in 1833 ; now lives in James 
town, Michigan. (3) Lucius B.; b Jan. 23, 1821 ; m Caroline 
E. Hamlin in 1842 ; also lives in Jamestown, Michigan. (4) 
James : b. Sept.; 1828; m. Diantha Ball in 1851 ; now li-ttes in 
BjTon, Michigan. 

147. JAMES CHARTER— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- 
ming county, N. Y., in 1819, and settled on p't of lot 16, T. 5, 
land now owned and occupied by Wm. Martin. Me was 
originally from Ticonderoga. He sold in 1835 and removed to 
Ohio. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Charter. — (]) Lemon, (2) Daniel, 
(3) Pekmelia. 

148. JOHN HOLENBECK— Originally from Ticonderoga. 
N. Y., came to P. from Warsaw, Wyoming countj', with James 
Chartei- in 1819, He settled on p't of lot 16, T. o, land now 
owned by Wm. Martin. His house stood on the opposite side 
of the road from the present residence of Mr. Martin. He 
removed to Ohio in 1835. 

149. G. A. HITCHCOCK— Came to P. from Warsaw, Wyo- 
ming county, N. Y., in 1819 and settled on p't of lot 16, T. 5, 
land now owned by Horace Skinner, near the lake. He was a 



392 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

preacher of the Methodist order and was known over the 
country as the barefooted preacher, from the fact that he 
attended his appointments during the warm weather barefooted. 
He left P. for Ohio in 1835. 

150. LEONARD LILLY— Came to P. from Onondaga Co., 
N. Y., in 1819. He m. Vesta, a dau. of Lemuel Thayer, before 
coming to P., and settled on p't of lot 23, T. 5, north p't of the 
Michael Fuller farm. After a few years he sold and moved 
to Ohio. Mrs. L. d. there and about 1867 Mr. L. returned to P. 
in indigent circumstances, and d. at the house of Wm. Thayer 
in 1870. 

Family of Mi . and Mrs. Lilly. — (1) Leonard, (2) Orkin, (3) 
William ,(4) Eliza, (5) Mary. 

151. AAEON HALL— Came to P. from Mass. in 1819 and 
settled on p"t of lot 60, T. 4. His wife, Rebecca, was from 
New Jersey. He was the father of Josiah Hall of Brocton 
He d at Brocton, then Salem X Roads, in 1840. His wife d. 
in 1852. 

152. LEMUEL THAYER— Was a native of Salsbury, Conn. 
He m Charity Manly in Conn. Mrs T. d. in Salsbury and the 
family soon after removed to Onondaga county, N. Y. Mr. T. 
m. for a second wife Clarinda Davis. After several changes he 
came to P. from Genesee county in 1819. He settled on N. 
pt of lot 32, T. 4, farm now owned by Matthew Fuller The 
last years of his life he lived with his son ^^ iiliam. He d. in 
1833. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Thayer. — {1) Manly : b. in Conn, 
and d. there. { 2) Vesta : m. Leonard Lilly : d. in Ohio many 
years since. (3) Leiviuel : settled in P. and d. on the farm now 
owned by Cullen Biut, p't of lot 34, T. 5. (4) Patienck : d. in 
Onondaga county. (5) Orpha: m. Isaac Hubbard : d. in Iowa. 
(6) Charity:- d. young. (7) Richmond : m. Mrs. — Churchill '■> 
lives in Ellington, this county. (8) Willlvm: b. June 10, 
1801 ; m. Sally Simmons in P ; settled on N. E. p't lot 32, T. 
4, where he still lives. The above were all b. in Conn. Those 
by his second m. were : (1) Eleanor : rn. Brainard Belding ; 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 393 

settled in P. (2) Axicia : m. Lewis Barnham ; went to Iowa. 

(3) Margaret : m. Orrin Hunt ; settled on E. p't lot 32, T. 4. 

(4) Maria : m. John Bostwick ; settled in Ohio, where Mr. B. d 
Mrs. B. d. in P. in June, 1865. (5) Dolly : m. Henry Miller ; 
lives in Stockton, this comity. (6) Jane : m. Abner Billings ; 
lives in the town of Chautauqua, this county. (7) Elizabeth : 
m. Ebenezer Simmons; went to Michigan, where Mr. S. d. 
All the family were b. before coming to P 

153. SILAS HOUGHTON. -^Came to P. from Erie county, 
N. Y., in 1820. He was the father of Mrs. Nicholas Lake. He 
purchased a claim to 53 acres of land, p't of lot 19, T. 5, oppo- 
site the present residence of Richard Reynolds, in 1821. He 
built a distillery near the falls in SlipjDery Rock creek, N. of 
Brocton, in 1824 or '25. He sold his claim to Lemuel Crane 
and in 1836 left town. 

154. CYPiUS LOGAN— Came to P. from Warsaw, then in 
Genesee coimty, now Wyoming, about 1820. He settled on a 
small place now owned and occupied by ' latthew Seely, S. W. 
p't of lot 30, T. 5, where he lived ten or twelve years when he 
removed to Union, Pa. He was a carpenter by trade, and built 
the house now standing on t- e Marsh farm. Mrs. L. d. before 
the family removed to P. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Logan. — (1) Jeremiah, (2) Horace. 
Both sons removed to Pa with their father. 

155. ELIJAH THAYER— Was the first settler between 
Solomon Coney's mill, N. E. p't lot 21, T. 5, and the lake. 
When he settled here is not k[lo^vn, but some time })revious to 
1819. The farm was afterward owned by Fred Owen, Seth 
Richardson, Anson Driggs, Hir^m Burton, and now by T. L. 
Harris. He m. the widow of Stephen McGregor, and as late as 
1840 lived on the Mc Cabe farm, p't lot 26, T. 5. Mrs. T\ d. in 
Tompkins county, this state, in 1860. 

156. FREDEKICK OWEN.— It is not known from whence 
Mr. O. emigrated to P. or in what year. He purchased a claim 
to E. Pt. of lot 22, T. 5. [See No. 155.] He left P. about 
1830 and settled *near Beloit, ^Visconsin. Nothing fui'ther was 



394: HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

known^ of him until 1857 wlien he was found to be the " minis- 
tering spirit " that watched over and cared for the family of 
Walter Mumford (a former citizen of this town and an early 
settler) in their afflictions and necessities after the death of Mr. 
M. in Wisconsin. 

157. NICHOLAS LAKE— Was the son of Henry and Jemima 
Waldo Lake, and was b. in Plainfield, N. Y. He m. Eunice 
Houghton, dan of Silas and Sarah Wyman Houghton, who was 
b. in Lisbon, Vt. He came to * P. in 1 820 from Clarence, Erie 
county, N. Y. He settled on p't of lot 19, T. 5, land now owned 
and occupied by Richard Reynolds, purchasing a claim of John 
Hedgline. Mrs. L. d. here in 1830 and was bu. in Evergreen 
cemetery. He m. for his second wife Mrs. — Barmore of Pen 
Yan, this state. • He built a frame house, the one now standing 
back of the house of Richard Reynolds, about 1 846. Mr. L. 
made several changes of location in town, but eventually 
removed to Albion, Orleans county, this state, where he d. 
ilrs. L. d. and was bu there. Mr. L. was an ardent Metho 
dist ; a whig and rej)ublican. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs Lake. — (1) Sidney S : m. Betsey 
Fellows ; d. in California. (2) Waldo W.: m. Ad die Herriman ; 
now lives in California. (3) Lucia : d. in P. (4) Sakah W.: 
m. James H Minton ; now lives at Westfield, this county. (5) 
Rose A.: m. Jared Brocket ; now lives in Milwaukee, Wis. 

158. NATHANIEL REEDER— Came to P. in 1820 and 
purchased a claim of Calvin Barnes, jr., to p't of lot 33, T. 5, 
farm now owned by Mrs. Bush. In 1831 or '32 he sold to 
Ithamer Crouch and moved to the town of Chautauqua Mrs. 
R. was a sister of Wolcott Colfe. He was a Methodist preacher. 
[See M. E. Cliurch.] James Reeder, abro., lived on the same 
farm. 

159. CORNELIUS EASTWOOD— Came to P. in 1820. 
After living in town two or three years he settled on N p't of 
lot 33, T. 5, land now owned by M. J. Mimson ; afterward on 
p't of lot 63, T. 4, where he lived for a few years and went 
west. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



895 



160. WILLIAM MILLER.— It is uot kuown when oi^from 
where Mr. M. came to P. ile m. Polly, a dau. of David Joy, 
and for some years lived in a log bouse on S. p"t of lot 19, T. 
5, nearly opposite the present residence of Wm. Becker. Abont 
1839 he removed to Indiana. 

161. JAMES PRATT— Came to P. fi-om the eastern part of 
this state and bought a claim to p't of lot 23, T. 5, in Nov., 
1820, farm now occupied by Seth Every, and previously by 
Jacob Bump. He sold to Wm. Thayer and removed to Michig-m 
in 1867. 

Family of Mr. and Jlrs. Pratt. — (1) Lafayette: m Mabel 
Williams ; lives in Michigan. (2) George W.: m. Charlotte 
Tui-k; lives in Michigan. (3) Sarah: m. 1st, Charles H, 
Williams, who d. in the U. S. service in the war of 1861 ; 2d, 
William Thistlewood. (4) MARy : m. Wm. Tunniugly ; lives 
in Michigan. (5) Walker : m. ; also lives in Michigan. 

162. DEFOEEST MILLS— Settled on the central p't of lot 
16, T. 5, land now owned by Harvey Fitch, about 1820. He 
v/as a turner of wooden ware, of use to settlers when crockery 
ami brown wares were hard to get and hard to pay for. What 
became of him is not known. 

163. CALVIN WOODEN— Came to P. as early as 1820- 
He m. Elizabeth, dau. of John Light, and for a few years 
lived on p't of lot 26, T. 5, a little east of Portland station, 
L. S. R. R. 

164. JOHN HEDGLINE— Some time previous to 1820 came 
to P. and purchased a claim to p't of lot 19, T. 5, farm now 
owned and occupied by Richard Reynolds. He sold to Nicholas 
Lake in 1820 and left town. 

165. LEONARD VIBBARD— Came to P. in 1820 from 
Otsego county, N. Y., with his own conveyance, as was usual 
in those times. He m. Betsey, a sister of Jeremiah, Jacob and 
Thomas Klumph. He settled on p't of lot 39, T. 4, land now 

owned by David Whipple, purchasing a claim of Light 

Mr. V. d. in 1 833 or '84 and his family soon removed to Tona 
wand^, this state. 



396 HISTOKICAI. SKETCHES OF 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Vihbard. — (]) Orville, (2) Louisa,, 
(3) Mary, (4) Thoimas. The names of tbe youngest tliree are 
not remembered. 

166. SYLVESTER ANDREWS— Settled on the N. E. p't of 
lot 18, T. 5. His article bears date Oct. 26, 1821, though he 
lived in town three or four years previous to that date. lie m. 
a dau. of Wm. Hanis and. lived in a log house on the N. E. 
corner of the farm, where now stands a small frame house. 
The land is now owned by Ed. Underhill. He was one of the 
two first deacons of the Baptist church at Brocton. He sold 
to T. Judson in 1829 and removed to Silver Creek, this county, 
where he d. two or three years since. His family are living 
there still. 

167. JOSEPH HARRIS— Son of Wm. Harris, (No. .53,) 
lived on p't of lot 18, T 5, land now owoied by Ed. Underhill. 
His article bears date Oct. 26, 1821. About 1828 or '29 he 
sold to T. Judson and removed to Buflalo, this state. He m. 
Flora, dau. of Roswell Beach. 

168. ERASTUS CROSBY— Settled on S. E. p't of lot 21, 
T. 5, land now owned and occupied by Linus Burton and 
others, east of Brocton station. He bought a claim of Christo 
pher McManus Feb. 28, 1821. INIr. McManus was killed on 
this place the next year — 1822. What became of Mr. Crosby 
is not known. 

169. JOHN, WILLIAM and THOMAS CORNING— Came 
to P. from Nova Scotia in 1821. Wm. settled on p't of lot 21, 
T. 5, near Brocton station L. S. R. R. Thomas, passing under 
the name of Thomas Walker for reasons not known, settled on 
the farm now owned and occupied by Luke Haight, north of 
Brocton, p't of lot 15, T. 5, and sold to William Case in 1824. 
What became of them is not known. 

170. PARDON T. LEWIS— Came from Chenango county, 
N. Y., to Sheridan, this county, in 18 17. He lived with 
Jeremiah Baldwin for several years ; m. his dau. Esther, and 
moved to P. in the spring of 1821 and purchased a claim to p't 
of lot 32, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by B. F. Pecor. 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 397 

He sold this in 1824 to Orris Perkins and removed to the now 
town of Dunkirk and afterward to Sheridan, where he d. in 
1850. 

171. ASA BUMP— Originally from Butternuts, Otsego Co., 
N. Y., came to P. fr-om Saegertown, Crawford Co., Pa., in 1821. 
He settled on the 8. W. p't of lot 34, T. 5, land now owned by 
.J. McFadden. His article bears date Oct. —,1821. In 1834 
he sold his land to Zalmon C. Goodsell and removed with his 
whole family to Kirtland, Ohio, having become interested in 
the Mormon faith. Those of the family now living are with 
the faithfril at Salt Lake City, as far as known. 

Fcmiily of Mr. and Mrs. Bmnp. — (1) Jacob: for some years 
owned and occupied the farm now owned and occupied by 
Erastus Denison, N. p't lot 24, T. 5. (2) Guyle, (3) John, (4) 
.Jamks, (5) Jerome, (6) Benjamin. 

172. JACOB BUMP— Was from Butternuts, Otsego Co., 
originally, but fr'om Saegertown, Pa., to P. in 1821, removing 
with his bro Asa (No. 171). He bought the farm now owned 
and occupied by J. W. Scott of Wm. Howe, jj't of lot 17, T. 5, 
that or the next year. He sold in 1834 or '35 to Ithuel Churchill 
and removed to Illinois. He was an esemj^lary man and an 
excellent citizen. 

173. JOEL SMITH— Came to P. some time previous to 
1820, and in 1821 or '22 bought a claim to p't of N. p't of lot 
18, T. 5, land now owned by Franklin Griswold. In 1825 he 
sold to David Skinner and soon after removed to Buffalo. He 
m. Lovetta, dau. of Wm. Harris. Mrs. S. d. in Buffalo in the 
winter of 1871-2. 

174. TYRUS GOODWIN— Was b. in Hartford, Conn., May 
<j, 1789. He m. Anna Bassett about 1811 or '12, who was b. 
in the town and county of Litchfield, Conn., June 17, 1790. 
He settled in Ticonderoga, N. Y.. afterward in ^Varsaw, Wyo- 
ming county, from whence he came to P. in Feb., 1821, and 
settled on p't of lot 16, T. 5, on the lake road, occupying a log 
house on the S. side of the road as now located. Being a hatter 
by trade, he built a log shop on the N. side of the road, near 



I 



398 lilSTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

the lake, the site of which was loug since washed away. The 
land is now owned by Horace Skinner In 1825 he purchased 
the N. E. corner of lot 27, T. 5, upon which he lived until two 
or three years pre-^ous to his death, which occurred July 2, 
1869. Mrs. G. d. in Apiil, 1855. In earlier life Mr. G. was a 
Methodist, but later a Universalist. In politics he was an 
" old line whig " until the knownothing excitement, which left 
him in the ranks of the democracy. 

lamily of Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin — (1) David: b. in Ticon- 
deroga Aug. 1 7, 1 813 ; m. Catharine Freleigh ; d. at Dunkii'k, 
this county, Feb. 19, 1855; bu. at Brocton. (2) Caroi.ine : b. 
at Ticonderoga Sept. 25, 1815; m. Henry Conner; lived for 
several years near Eiceville, Pa., but since in P. Mr. C. d. 
some years since. (3) Eunice : b. at Warsaw March 2, 1819 ; 
m J. E. Harris ; lives in P. (4) Bushkod : b, in P. May 28, 
1824; m. Margaret Ely; for some years lived on the old 
homestead, but now in Westfield, this county. (5) Henry : b. 
in P Feb. 13, 1831 ; d. July 19, 1850 ; bu. at Brocton. 

175. ABNEE B. BEEBE— Was tlie son of Ephraim and 
Elizabeth Beebe, and was b at Mayville, New London county, 

Conn., April 23, 1797. He ra. Roberts, dau. of Benj and 

Polly Roberts, Nov. 21, 1821. Mrs. B. was b. at East Hart- 
ford, Conn., May 19, 1798. They came to P. from Pomfret in 
January, 1822. He settled on the E. p't of lot 31, T. 5, 
purchasing a claim of Calvin Barnes, and bnilt a frame house 
the same year, the one now owned and occupied by Wm. 
Rinehart, where he lived ten years, selling to Wm. Miller and 
purchasing the N. p't cf lot 25, T. 5, upon which he built a 
frame house the same year, now owned and occupied by Ledyard 
Douglass. After partially clearing the land about his dwelling, 
in 1832 he caused a survey for a village to be made by T. Judson 
and a plat to be drawn, which was recorded in the county 
clerk's office the same year. A few lots were sold, upon which 
houses were erected. This was the commencement of the 
present village of Centerville. Sir. B. says : " It was a most 
dismal looking place, all woods from the top of the hill east of 



thp: town of Portland. 399 

the railroad to the hill west of the center. It was the tliickest 
woods west of the railroad tliat 1 ever saw. The roads were 
few and poor. Moses Joy kept tavern in a log house on the 
farm occupied by H. A. S. Thompson, west of Brocton." Mr. 

B. moved to Givard, Pa., in Nov., 1845, where he lived seven 
years; and to Madison, Ohio, in Nov., 1852, where lie still 
lives, ill his 77th year. Mrs. B. is also living Mr. B. is a 
Methodist, and in politics a "Jackson democrat." 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Beehe. — (1) Abnee: m. Sarah 
Mattisoii in Plainfield, Otsego county, this state. (2) Emily : 
m. Geo. Eogers at Madison. (3) George, (4) Ephraim : m. 
Susan Trent in Girard, Pa. (5) Cornelia : m. at Madison. (6) 
Sai.ly : m. at Madison. 

176. ELIJAH DOTY— Came to P. in 1822 and settled on 
the farm now owned and occupied by W. D. Onthank, p't of 
lot 32, T. 5 ; made large improvements and raised a large 
family of ch. Little is remembered of him. He went to Ohio 
in company with Peter Vangaasbeek and family in 1834. 

1 77. HOKACE CLOUGH— Came to P. from Madison county, 
N, Y., in 1 822, and bought the farm commonly known as the 
Peck farm, N. p't of lot 29. T. 5. He built the house now on 
the farm in 1823. The farm is now owned by Jason Webster. 
He sold in 1828 to Asahel Peck and removed to Laona, this 
county. He m. 1st in Madison county ; 2d, a sister of Jesse 
Baldwin, then of this town but now of Sheridan. Mr. and Mrs. 

C. are botli dead. 

178. SAMUEL HARRIS— Was a bro. of Ebenezer and J. 
E. Harris and came to P. from Vt. in 1821, but d. on the first 
of Sept., 1822. He lived on the lake road on p't of lot 32, T. 5. 
His family returned to Vt. 

179. ELEAZER HIBBARD— Came to P. in 1822 and 
bought a claim to p't of lot 21, T. 5, occupying a log house a little 
east of Brocton station, L. S. R. R. How long he remained or 
what became of him is not known. 

180. LYMAN DOOLITTLE— Came to P. from Chenango 
county, this state, in 1818, and purchased a claim to 8. E. p't 

51 



400 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

of lot 19, T. 5, land since known as the Judson farm, of James 
Wilder. In 1828 he sold to T. Judson and bought the 
Darioin Goodrich farm, north of Broctou, p't of lot 21, T. 5- 
The assignment of his article bears date March 30, 1.829. 
Within the next few years he sold arjd removed to Fredonia, 
this couuty, where he d. He had a large tamily of cli., two of 
whom only seem to be distinctly remembered, Orrin, who lives 
in Fredonia, and Levi. 

181. SAMUEL BASSETT— <Jame to P. from Genesee Co., 
N. Y., in 1823. He bought a claim to p t of lot 41, T. 5, farm 
now owned by David Granger, and including the grounds of 
the West Baptist society in P. He sold to James Hayner and 
for some time lived on the farm now owned by Chester Munson, 
N. p't of lot 37, T. 6, buying of Edwin W. Farington. He sold 
to Mr. Munson and removed to Pa. 

182. WILLIAM CASE— Was the son of Jonathan and Alche 
Case and b. at Hoosick, Rensselaer county. May 13, 1794. He 
m. Polly Hempsted, dau. of Nathaniel and Esther Hempsted, 
Dec. 12, 1813. Mrs. C. was b. in Nassau, Rensselaer county, 
May 3, 1796. They settled in Williamstown, Oswego county, 
N. Y., where they lived until March, 1823. when they removed 
to Pomfi-et, in tins comity, and in the fall of the same year to 
P., and piu'chased of Thomas Walker (Corning) p't of lot 15, 
T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by Luke Haight. The 
journey to Pomfret from Oswego was a slow and tedious one, 
owing to the sudden disappearance of the snow and the necessity 
of conveying their load upon a sleigh with the mud and water 
almost any depth. Their stock of provisions became exhavisted 
before reaching Fiddlers' Green, now Springville, Erie county, 
and as none could be obtained at that place or Lodi, now 
Gowanda, they came near starving, and were only relieved by 
a traveler at some point near Perrysburg, who " oi^ened his box 
of provisions and gave us an ample repast. For this act the 
stranger has ever been held in most grateful and kindly remem- 
brance. " The first house of Mr Case was a log house, but in 
1831 he built a fi-ame house, which is still staudino- and occu- 



I 



p 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 401 

pied by Mr. Haight as an out-Iioiise. In 1849 he sold liis faiTii 
to Mark Haight and pin'chased the farm of W. P. (Jrandall, p't 
of lot 15, T. 5. In 1863 he sold this farm and removed to 
Portland Center, where he d. Sept. 30, that year. Mrs. C. d. 
in 1871 at Hokah, Minnesota ; was bu. in Brocton cemetery by 
the side of her husband. Mr. C. was in the U. S. service in 
the war of 1812 for a few weeks. He was a Methodist, and 
politically a republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Case. — (1) V'. m. James : b. Feb. 27, 
1815 : d. in P. June 3, 1845 (2) Is.^ac H.: b. Nov. 7, 1817 ; is 
a physician.: lives in Indiana. (3) Dana F-: b. Mar. 27,1820 ; 
is depot agent on S Minn. R. R. (4) Alanson G.: b. Feb. 25, 
1822 : is a j)hysician ; lives in Indiana. (5) Albert M.: b. May 
14, 1826; now pastor of Plymouth Cong, church, Burlington, 
Wis. (6) P. Maeia: b. June 20, 1828; m. A. H. Bowdish ; 
resides in Hokah, Minn. (7) Milton W.: b. Aug. 19, 1830; is 
a physician at Chicago, 111 (8) Cha(?les VV.: b. Dec. 2, 1833 ; 
d. July 2. 1858; bu. in Brocton cemetery (9) LaVantia D.: 
b. Oct. 13, 18;^(J; m. D. L Clements, general ticket agent S. 
Minn. \l. R.; lives at Hokah, Minn. (U)) West wood W.: b. 
Dec. 13, 1 838 ; is a clergyman and now pastor of Asbury M. E. 
church, Milwaukee, Wis. 

183. ISAAC HOWE— Was the sou of Samuel and Sarah 
Kose Howe, and was b. at Brantford, Conn. He m. Hannah 
Mallory in Columbia county, N. Y., and settled in Oneida Co. 
He removed to Cayuga coiinty in 1812, and came to P. in 1823, 
the family coming in 1 824, and settled on part of lot 1 0, T. 5, 
land now ownied by his son Isaac and John Lawson. He was 
a carpenter by trade. He d. in Sept., 1839, and was bu. at 
Brocton 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Hoioe. — (1) Josl\ii M.: b. July 8, 
1811; m. Cornelia Randall May 20, 1845; settled on p't of 
homestead: now lives in Fredonia. (2) Mary Ann: b in 
Cayuga county; d. in P. in March, 1840. (3) Isaac: b. in 
Cayuga county Oct. 23, 1814; m. Manila Rositer March 14, 
1849; Hves on the homestead- (4) Eliza: b. April 4, 1816: 



402 HiSTORicAr- skp:tches of 

not m.; lives in P. (5) Hannah: b. Aug. 4, 1820 ; m. Ambrose 
Burt ; settled in Michigan. (6) Lovika : m. Setli Blackmer in 
1847 ; settled at Pine Grove, Pa.; d. there 

184. SAMUEL SHATTUCK— Was the grandfather of Loren 
and Isaac Shattuck, formerly citizens of the town of P. He 
was b. in the town of Deerfield, Franklin county, Mass., Sept 
18, 1741. He m. Chloe Field, dau. of Aaron Field, whose 
father, Ebenezer, was killed by the Indians in 1708. Mrs. S. 
d. in Greenfield, Mass., April 10, l7Sl. Mr. S. was a soldier in 
the old French and Indian war when he was but a mere lad ; 
was through the Revolutionary w^ar, and participated in che 
battles of Bunker Hill, Bennington, Yorktown and many 
others. He removed to P. in Nov., 1823, and lived with his 
son Seth until his d., Sept. 1, 1827- He was bu. in Evergreen 
cemetery. 

JBamily of Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck. — ( 1 ) Samuel : b. Aug. 
15, 1764; m. Prudence Ilealey. (2) Chloe : b. Nov. 22, 1766 : 
m. Ephraim Leech. (3) Sidney : b. Feb. 7, 1 768 ; m. Ann 
Atherton, (4) Seth: b. Jan. 24, 1770; m. 1st, S. Chapin; 2d, 
Anna Smith. (5) Lydla : b Feb. 15, 1773; m. Arad Root. 
(6) Jesse : b. Sept. 21, 1777 ; m. Mary E. Sargent. (7) Chester : 
b. Dec, 17, 1780; m. Miriam Stoker. All b. in Greenfield, 
Mass. 

As stated above, Mr. S. was in the French war of 1754, and 
two years earlier, although a youth, was in some capacity 
attached to the service at some point on the northern border 
of this state. In the Fredonia Censor of February 22, 1871, 
appeared a communication from the pen of Hon. E. T. Foote of 
NeAV Haven, Conn., formerly of this county, with reference to 
early military operations in the western portion of this comity. 
Judge Foote says : " It has been generally conceded that a 
portage road from the head of Chautauqua to lake Erie had 
been opened before the settlement of the county, but by whom 
or when it was opened has remained until recently an open 
question." This matter so long a mystery, through the untiring 
industry and restless research of Judge Foote, has been pretty 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 408 

definitely settled by the production from some old historical 
records of an affidavit of Stephen Coffin, an American fi'om New 
England, taken before Sir William Johnson in January, 1754. 
Coffin, according to this affidavit, had been taken prisoner by 
the French and Indians in 1747, and after four years of wander 
ings was taken to Quebec, Canada. From here he made an 
effort to escape but was recaptured in 1752, and after lying 
in prison three months was induced to enlist in the French 
service, and was one of 300 men sent to Montreal and fi'om 
there to Niagara, by land and on the ice, for the purpose of 
inaugurating an effort to establisli a chain of forts between 
Canada and New Orleans. In April of 1 758 they proceeded in 
boats from some point above Niagara Falls to Ghadakoini 
where they had been ordered to build a fort preparatory to 
building -a portage road to lake Chadakoin (^Chautauqua), where 
another fort was to be built. This route was for a time aban- 
doned for one fi'om Fort la Briske,now Erie, Pa., to the LaBoeuf 
river, 21 miles south; a return was ordered by the Governor of 
Canada to Ghadakoin. In October a party of 200 men cut a 
wagon road from lake Erie at the mouth of Chadakoin creek, 
now Chautauqua creek, at Barcelona, over the carrying place 
to lake Chadakoin, or Chautauqua lake. Coffin was of this 
party, and on the return to Niagara in Nov. deserted in company 
with a Frenchman to some point in tlie interior of New York. 
The portage road was not only cut through, but the steep banks 
along the streams were graded or to some extent broken down 
to allow of the passing of loaded wagons. Some remains of 
this road near Westfield are still to be seen. The English, 
ever siispicious and watchful of the movements of the French, 
sent out several scouting parties fi-om some point on the north 
border of the state, probably Oswego, for the piupose of 
obtaining reliable information in regard to these efforts and 
taking measures to counteract them. Thus it will be seen that 
120 years ago a systematic effort was made to establish a great 
military thoroughfare through our county, and a large portion 
of the way through the territory included in the old town of 



404 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

Portland. Two of the scouting parties at least passed through 
the present town of P., lay in ambush and watched the labors 
of the Prench from day to day until the information sought 
was obtained, when they returned. Mr. Shattuck, then a 
stripling, occompanied these parties on two separate occasions, 
and probably was one of the first whites setting foot in the 
present town, then of course an imbroken wilderness, little 
dreaming that in some of the years to come he would become a 
citizen of that same region and a dweller upon a pleasant farm 
wrought out of the same wilderness by the strong arms of a 
son and grandsons. Mr. S. often related the incidents of these 
expeditions, and there are those now living in town who well 
remember Mr. S. and vouch for his integrity. He remained 
in the service until 1 755 when he returned to his native town. 
Thus another proof is furnished, in addition to that furnished 
by Judge Foote, of the authors of the old portage rood and of 
the time when it was made- The letter of Judge Foote, the 
deposition of Coffin and the facts furnished by Mr. Shattuck 
thus brought to light " are of great local interest and go far to 
show that our country, although then a deep solitude, far 
distant fi'om the most advanced outposts of permanent settle- 
ments, was more often the scene of warlike demonstrations than 
it has since been ; that in that early day martial sounds were 
often heard in "the depths of its foiests ; fleets of boats filled 
with armed and veteran Frenchmen passed along our lakes and 
creeks : and that such gallant men as Beaujeu, who led the 
handful of Frenchmen at Bracldock's defeat, St Pierre, La 
Force and Joncaire, names that are now faraoiis in history, 
were once familiar with these wild regions, and that the war- 
path of veritable savage warriors, armed with tomahawk and 
scalping-knife, led through these forests " — 0. Edson. Mr. 
Shattuck was " through the Revolution," as at first stated, and 
for a portion of the time " belonged to the first regiment and 
first brigade of the Massachusetts line," and though partici- 
pating in many a sanguinary ccnflict was " never grazed by a 
ball," though several passed through his clothes and hat. 



I 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 405 

185. SETH SHATTUCK— Was the son of Samuel and 
Cbloe Field Shattuck, and b. in Greenfield, Mass., Jan. 24, 
1770. He m.. 1st, Miss S Chapin ; 2d, Anna Smith, who was 
b. in N. H. It is inferred that bis first wife lived but a short 
time. .He came to P. from near Toronto, Canada, in July, 
1823. His article bears date Sept. 10, 1822, for p't of lot 10, 
T. 5, land now owned by J. W. Scott and H. Palmeter. To 
enable him to reach his purchase \A'ith teams, a roadway was 
cut thi'ough the forest from near the present residence of E. 
Denison suflicient for the purpose. Mr. S. had laid well his 
plans for a home for himself .ind family in the coming years, but 
was not i^ermitted to see the fulfillment of his hopes. He was 
killed by being thrown from a load of hay, July 15, 1828. 
His wife survived liim but a few weeks, dying Aug. 23 the 
same year. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. Mr. S. was 
a Presbyterian, and in politics a whig. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck. — (1) Angkon.\ : b. in 
Sheldon, Vt. ; m. Lewis Gilbert of same comity ; d. and was 
bu. there. (2) Sylvia: b- in Sheldon, Vt.; m. Thomas Robin- 
ette of Toronto, Canada; d. and bu. there. (3) Phylinda: b. 
Oct. 17, 1 802, in Vt ; m. Joseph Harring of Toronto ; d, July 
1, 1837; was bu. there. (4) Loeen: b. Sept. 1, 1804, in Vt.; 
m. Sarah Jackson, dau of Joshua Jackson, in P. ; settled in P. 
but removed to Ripley where he d. Aug. 2, 1868 ; bu. there. 
(5) Isaac: b. in Vt.; m. 1st, Hannah Crosby in P., who was 
killed by being thrown from a wagon by her horse, which liad 
become unmanageable, in the west part of the village of Center- 
ville, Ajjril 24, 1843 ; 2d, Sarah Kays, who d. Jan. 27, 18^34 ; 
3d, Mrs. Dolly Gardner. Mr. S. is noAV living near Painesville, 
Ohio. (6) Lucy: b. in Vt.; m. Loren P. Carley of P.; now 
lives in Sheridan, this county. 

186. THOMAS ENSIGN— Came to P. from Sheridan, this 
coiinty, in 1 822 or '23. He was a bro. of Otis Ensign. He m. 
a sister of Chester Skinner in 1828 or '29, and for two years 
kept a tavern in the "old red tavern" on lot 19, T. 5, where 
now stands the house of Wm. W. Pettit. He afterward removed 



I 



406 lllSTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

to the central i)iirt of the state, but in a few years returned to 
Sheridan, 

187. AMOS C. ANDREWS— Articled p't of lot 1, T. 5, in 
1824, but lived in a log house on S. p't of lot 19, T. 5, opposite 
the house of Wm. Becker. He was a Free-will Baptist preacher. 
He lived in town but a few years. 

188. NATHNIEL PALMEE— Came to P. fi'om the eastern 
part of this state in 1824. He lived in a log house where now 
stands the house of the late T. Judson, on lut 26, T. 4. Some 
years later he removed to Pa. 

189. JOSHUA CROSBY— Was a native of Nova Scotia and 
came from there to P. in June, 1824. From Boston, Mass., he 
came with one horse and wagon, which seemed am]:)le to convey 
his wife, five cli. and all his worldly goods. His wife's maiden 
name was Hannah Carr. He eventually settled on p't of lot 
22, T. 5, where he lived for many years. He was somewhat 
eccentric in his habits, a genius in his way. and was original in 
his designs. Previoxis to coming to P. he was a sailor, but 
while here worked at various trades as fancy dictated. About 
1837 his family became interested in the Mormon faith and 
removed about 1 843 or '44 to Nauvoo, 111., Mrs. C. taking all of her 
family, some of whom were m. Mrs. C. d. at Nauvoo, but 
the rest of the family as far as known are living in Ftah. Mr. 

C. m. for a second wife Mrs Lewis, mother of Mrs. Linus 

Burton, with whom he lived for a number of years. Aboiit 
1 855 Mr. C went to Salt Lake and Mrs C. to 111. They are 
supposed to be still living. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs Crosby. — (1) Hannah: m. Edward 
Mumford. (2) Eliza: m Jefferson Burton, who d. June 12. 
1842. (3) Obed : d at Nauvoo. (4) John, (5) Jesse. The cii. 
were all b. in Nova Scotia. 

190. ROBERT FREEMAN— Was a bro. of George (No. 98) 
and came to P. fi-om Ulster county, N. Y., in 1 824. He lived 
upon various farms, and among them a lot piu'chased of the 
religious societies in toAvn, p't of lot 11, T. 5. After a few 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 407 

years he removed to Coldwater, Michigan, where he d. in 1849. 
Mr. F. m. in Delaware county, this state. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Freeman. — (1) Amanda, (2) Jank, 
(3) Betsey, (4) John, (o) George, (G) Eliza. All the tarnily m. 
in Michigan. 

191. AMOS GILL — Came from Cooperstown, N. Y., to P. in 
1 824- For some years he lived on a farm now owned by John 
Lawson, p't of lot 10, T. 5. In 1845 he sold and removed to^ 
Wisconsin where he d. several years since. Mrs. G. is supposed 
to be still living. Mr. G. was a member of the Baptist chui'ch 
at Brocton. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Gill. — (1) John, (2) Mary: m. Ezra 
Bui'dick. (3) Harriet: m. David Biuxlick. (4) Jane: never 
m.; d in Wis. 

192. EZEA BURDICK— Came to P. from Vt., but when is 
not known. He lived for some years on the farm now owned 
by John Hardenburg, p't of lot 11, T. 5, afterward on p't of lot 
1, T. 5. He m. Mary, dau. of Amos Gill. His bro. David m. 
Harriet Gill and lived on the same lot. They went to Wisconsin 
about 1845. 

193. RUFUS MOORE— Came from Ripley, in this coimty, 
to P. in Jan., 1824, and. settled on the central p't of lot 11, T. 
5, farm until recently for some years owned by Mrs. James. 
He sold in -1836 and removed to Franklin county, Ohio. He 
had a family of but one eh. 

194. W^ALKER LEWIS— Came to P. from Conn, in 1824 
and purchased a claim to the place in which the writer now 
resides, p't of lot ] 3, T. 5, known as the Elmore farm He d. 
here July 17, 1826. The farm was sold to James Aldrich in 
1830 and Mrs. Lewis removed to Fredonia where she d. March 
23, 1845. They were both bu. in Brocton cemetery. The 
writer remembers calling at the log dwelling of the xoidoxc 
Lexois in the spring of 1827, which was then surroimded by a 
small forest of peach trees in full bloom. 

TITUS G. CAIILEY— Came to P. about 1824. He settled 
on the Lathro}) place, south of Brocton, now o^^'ned by Henry 



•408 HISTOiaCAL SKETCHES OF 

Dunbar He afterward lived at Portland Center for several 
j^ears, and d. there Dec. 25, 1846. He m. Betsey, dau. of Oliver 
Elliott. His wid- m. Stephen Stilwell and lives in Dunkirk. 

19(3. LOEEN P Ci^RLEY— A bro. of Titus G. (No. 195), 
came to P. about 1824 Fie m. Lucy, a dau. of Setli Shattuck 
and sister of Isaac and Loren. He lived for many years 
on p't of lot 1, T. 5, but about 1 856 lie moved to Sheridan this 
county. 

197. PLYNN POMEROY— Came to P. about 1824 and for 
some years lived on p't of lot 13, T. 5, a few rods east of the 
former residence of Bela Burroughs, on the south road. He 
was a cigar maker. He m. Irene, dau. of Roe Goldsmith, and 
removed to Conneaut, Ohio, witli the family of Mr. G. 

198. DANIEL INGALLS— Came to P. from Springville, Erie 
Co., N. Y., in 1824 and bought the property of Walter Mum- 
ford, the house standing where the house of T S. Moss now 
stands, in ' Brocton, and the one now owned and occupied V)y 
M. P. Barber. His piirchase extended to and included the S. 
E. p't of the village of Brocton. In 1830 he built the fi-ont 
portion of the store building in Brocton now owned by J E. 
White and occupied by C O. Furman, and for one or two years 
was engaged in mercantile pursuits in .connection with Joseph 
Lockwood. He sold the main portion of his land and lived in 
a small house where the house of Dr. H. J. Dean now stands. 
In 1834 he built the main portion of the house of Dr. Dean, 
and in 1840 sold to James Budlong. He removed to Pittsburg 
in 1841, and d. while on business at Buffalo in 1842. He was 
bu. at Springville. He was for many years a practicing physi- 
cian in town and an energetic business man. He had but one 
ch., Maryette, who m. Thomas Howard and moved to Pitts- 
burg, Pa. In after years Mr. H. became a lawyer and a promi 
nent citizen of that city. Mrs. H. d. there a few years since. 
Mr. H. is still living. [See Physicians.'] 

199. JOHN UNDERHILL— Came to P. fi-om Conn, with 
vValker Lewis in 1 824 He m. a dau. of Mr. Lewis. He lived 
for a few years in a log house east of the bridge at Brocton, 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 409 

but in ! 830 purcliasecl of Ebenezer Shumway a claim to p't of 
lot 21, T. 5, land noAV principally owned by the L. S- and B., 
C. & P. R. R. companies for station, yards, &c. He sold about 
1840 and removed to Ohio, where he and most of his family d. 

200. JOSHUA S. WEST— The son of Freeman and Sally 
Salsbury West, was b. at Scituate, Ehode Island, April 8, 
1801. His father and mother were natives of the same town, 
the former b. in 1773 and the latter in 1780. Mr. W. came to 
P. fi'om Saugerfield, Oneida county, this state, in April, 1824. 
He m. Fatima Barnes, dau- of Calvin Barnes, Feb 4, 1827. 
Mrs. W. was b. in Norway, Herkimer county, this state, Dec. 26, 
1 807. Mr. W. lived for some years in Hanover and Westfield, 
this county, but eventually purchased the Calvin Barnes estate, 
where he now resides. Mr. W . during a long residence in P. 
has been actively identified with the political movements in 
town and often honored with places of trust by the people; 
was a justice of the peace two terms and assessor for several 
years. He is a member of the Methodist church, and polit- 
ically a republican From 1830 to 1835 he commanded a 
military company called the Mangers. Mrs. W. d. June 14, 
1872. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. West. — (1) William H.: b. in 
Westfield Feb 16, 1828 ; never m. CI) Caroline M.: b. in P. 
Jan. 4, 1830 ; m. S. Edmonds in Feb. ]873; lives in Sheridan, 
this county. (3) Saeah : b. in Hanover Aug. 12, '838; m. 
Germond Burhans May 19, 1864 ; lives in Michigan. (4) Lydia : 
b. in Hanover Feb. 22, 1841 ; m. Edwin Wright March 15, 
ISOG ; lives on the homestead. (5) Solon B, : b. in P. Jan. 13, 
1847 ; m. Addie M. VanAernam Jan 1 5, 18G8 ; lives in May ville, 
this county. 

201. LEMOK AVERILL— Came fi'om Sangerfield, N. Y., 
and lived in town five or six years, keeping a tavern on the 
well-known McKenzie place, commencing in 1825. Mrs. A. 
was b. in Fairfield, Herkimer county, this state, in 1 793. They 
removed from P. to Westfield and from there to Kipley, w^here 
Mr. A. d. in July. 1839, and was bu in Westfield. He was a 



410 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

lawyer by profession and for several years was a justice of the 
peace in ^^'estfield. He Avas an Episcopalian, and politically a 
whig. Mrs. A. d. in Ripley May 9, 1867, and was bu. there. 

JBamily of Mr. and Mrs. Averill. — (1) Frances : b. in 1 822 ; 
in. Elizui' Webster, jr.; settled in Rijpley ; d. therein Sept., 18G2. 

(2) Jackson L.: b in 1823 ; m. and settled in San Francisco, 
California. (3) .Tared : b. in 1825 ; d. in 1828. (4) Adelaide : 
1). in 1833; m. Henr}^ Brockway in Ripley; settled there. (5) 
Janette : b. in 1836; m. Edwin Sexton and settled in 
Westfield. 

202. NATHANIEL WINSLOW— Came from Mass. to P. in 
1825 and settled on p't of lot 18, T. o, adjoining J. H. Hulbnrt 
on the east. He was a farmer. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Wmslow. — (1).Ann, (2) Morton: 
m. Elizabeth, dau. of Rev. David Hnlbui't, and first settled on 
p't of lot 1, T. 5, land now owned by John Lawson ; now lives 
in Bloomington, 111. (3) Phebe, (4) Nathaniel, (5) Polly, (6) 
RoswELL. All the ch. bnt Morton m. out of town. 

203. JESSE EVERTS— Came to P. from Murray, Orleans 
tiounty, this state, in 1825. He settled on a farm since known 
as the Marsh farm, p't of lot 24, T. 5. He sold his farm to 
Isaac Marsh in 1836 and removed to Conneaut, O., where he 
and his w. d [See Mills.] 

tamily of Mr. and Mrs. Everts. — (1) Jesse, {i) Dorcas. 

(3) Ui.-ANiA, (4) Calvin, (5) Tamor, (6) Luther, (7) Martin : m. 
Han-iet Everden. (8) Obedience : m. Robert, son of John 
Quigley. (9) Milo. But two of the family m. in town 

204 TIMOTHY CARPENTER— Was a bro. of David (No. 
19) and came to P. from Chenango coimty, N. Y., in 1825, and 
settled on p't of lot 48, T. 4, farm now owned by G. M. Arnold ; 
afterward on pt of lot 55, T. 4, farm now owned by E. Saun- 
ders. He left P. in 1829 or '30 and for a few years lived in 
Carroll, this county, and from there loent west. 

205. EBENEZER SHU VI WAY— Came to P. from some 
adjoining town in 1825 and purchased a smaU farm, commonly 
known as the Underbill lot, p't of lot 21, T. 5, on which the 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 411 

station of the L. S. R. R. is located. Mrs. S. d. liere two or 
three years later. Mr. S. sold to John Underhill in 1830 and 
removed to Pomfret. He now lives in Lena, Stephenson Co., 
Illinois, 

206. ABIGAIL FELLOWS— Came to P. with a large family 
from Stillwater, Saratoga county, in 1825. Mr. F. d. in that 
county in 1820. Mrs. Fellows' maiden name was Light. The 
year previous she had purchased the Richard Williams farm, 
now owned in part by Lincoln Fay, p't of lot 25, T. 5. The 
house then occupied was a long, narrow frame, unfinished, and 
now occupied as a bam on the farm of J. H. Martin on the 
same lot. She kept a tavern here for six or seven years, and 
about 18.37 exchanged with Wm. Clark for a farm in the town 
of Westfield, where she d. Nov. 28, 1857. She was bu. in 
Brocton cemetery. 

Family of Mrs. I^ellows.—{l) John : b. March 20, 1805 ; m 
1st, Barbara CoiTell Aug. 25, 1829, who d. July 23, 1838 ; 2d, 
Olive Twing June 9, 1889 ; lives in P. on p't of lot 36, T. 5. 
(2) Andkus : b. April 5, i 803 ; m. Charlotte Davison ; was a 
blacksmith and lived for several years at Portland Center ; d. 
in 111. (3) George : b. in March, 1808 ; m Drucilla Bean ; 
settled in Michigan. (4) Deborah : b. in 1810 ; m- Luther D. 
Harmon ; settled in Westfield. (5) Jesse : m. 1st in Canada ; 
'2d in 111. . where he now lives, names not remembered. (6) 
Elizabeth : m. Sidney 8. -Lake in P.; d. in California. (7) Mary : 
rn. Chandler Persons ; lives in Westfield. (8) Ephraim : m. 

Susan — ; lives at Gowanda, Catt. county. (9) Levi : m. 

Prudy Selkiig ; lives in North East, Pa. {!)) James Hemrv : d. 
young. (11) Ezra : m. Martha Spun* ; lives in 111. The family 
were all b. in Saratoga county. 

207. JAMES W. D ALEE— Was the son of John F. and 
Maria Waterman Dalee, and b. in Providence, R. I., .Jan- 26, 
1765. He m. Anstis Kennicott Dec. 2, 1792, who was b. 
in Rehobeth, R. I., Jan. 22, 1775. They came from Cambridge, 
Washington county, N. Y., to Fredonia in 1824, and in Dec, 
1825, to P., and settled on what was then known as the 'Tadah 



412 HISTOiaCAl, SKETCHES OF 

Colt lot, S. E. p't of lot 13, T. 5, now owned by V. G. Farn- 
ham, John Knickerbocker, Franklin Fay, Orrin Brainard and 
the heirs of Mark Haight. Mr. D. was a merchant and teacher, 
and in 1826 built a frame building for a dwelling and store. 
His first house was a log one standing on the farm recently 
owned by Mr. Haight. Mr. D. d. here March 22, 1840, and 
Mrs. D. May 9, 1 849. Mr. D. was a Free-will Baptist ; polit- 
ically a whig. 

Family of Mv. and Mrs. Dalee. — [I) Justus: b. at Pittstown, 
N. Y., Oct. 1, 1793 ; m. Mary Fowler Oct. 1, 1S16; now lives 
in Wisconsin. (2) Waterman: b. at Pownal, Vt., May 6, 1795: 
m. Emily Osborn in 1835 ; now living in Ohio. (3) Field : b. 
at Hoosac Falls, N. Y., June 18, 1797 ; m. Sarah D. Walworth 
in 1 826 ; now living in P. (4) John : b. at Hoosac Falls Aug. 
10, 1799 ; m. Maliitable Deming in 1823 ; lives in 111. Mrs. D. 
d. there some years since. (5) Anstis : b. in Cambridge, N. Y., 
Feb. 16, 1805; never m.: lives in P. (6) Nancy: b. at Cam- 
bridge, N. Y., June 27, 1807 ; m. Timothy Judson in 1828 ; 
now lives at Fredonia, a widow. (7) Richaud W. M.: b. at 
Cambridge, N. Y., Oct. 18, 1809 ; m. Maria H. Alinton in 1832 ; 
d. at Harvard, 111., May 6, 1868. (8) Pauf. C: b. at Cambiidge. 
N. Y., Jan. 27, 1815 ; m. Mary Thayer in 1841 ; d. in Rockton, 
111., in 1868 ; there were five others who d. in infancy. 

208. SAMUEL EYERDEN— Came to P. from Pomfret as 
early as 1825 (probably two or three years earlier) and settled 
on p't of lot 7, T. 5. land now owned in pait by K. W. Baker. 
That year he built a small frame house, now a part of the house 
of Mr. Baker. He lived in town but five or six years, leaving 
for that . receptacle of the restless spirits of those early years, 
the loest. He was for many years constable and for several 
years collector of the town of Pomfret, to which town he had 
emigrated as early as 1816. Nothing is now remembered of 
his lamily. 

209. JOHN EVERDEN— Was a bro. of Samuel (No. 208) 
and came to P. from Pomfret in 1824 and settled on p't of lot 
7, T. 5, his log house standuig where the barn of A W. l^akei- 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 41 3 

now stands. He ni. Kose in Sheridan. He lived in town 

but a few years, removing to Ohio. 

210. EKASTUS KINNE— Came to P. from Nova Scotia, 
probably in 1825, and lived on a lot of five acres in Brocton 
now owned by Linus Burton, J. H. Haight and others. He 
was a tanner by trade and established a tannery on his lot. 
He sold to Joshua Jackson in 1830 and loent loest. \_8ee 
Tanneries.'] 

211. RUFUS KINNE— Came to P. from Olean, N. Y., about 
1826. He was a shoemaker and occupied a small house on the 
spot where the tavern of D. Morey now stands, in Brocton. 
The building is still standing and forms a part of the dwelling 
of Mrs. Louisa Bowdish in that village . 

•212. JOHN LOGAN— Came to P. about 1825 and for some 
time lived on a piece of land belonging to Silas Houghton, on 
lot 19, T. 5. He afterward built a log house on the ground 
now occupied by the house of Salmon Burton, on lot 14, T. 5- 
After a few years he went icest. 

213. JARED RISLEY— Came to P. about 1825 and lived 
in a house a few rods east of the schoolhouse in district No. 4. 
He purchased and kept the tavern standing on the ground 
where the house of W. W Pettit now stands, on lot 19, T. 5, 
for one or two years. He afterward removed to Pomfret, near 
Laona, where he still resides. 

214. JOSEPH P. PETERS— Was the son of Col. John and 
Lydia French Peters, and was b. in Hebron, Conn., Nov. 7, 
1761. His ancestors were from England. He served two years 
in the Continental army, enlisting in 1777. He was the fourth 
of a family of fifteen ch. His eldest bro. was a judge of some 
of the English colonial courts. The rest of the family were iik^ 
the interest of the colonists- Mr. P. studied medicine and 
jiracticed for many years in Conn., Mass., Vt. and N. Y. He 
m. Azuba Case in Vt. in 1 784. Mrs. P. d. in 1794. He ra. for 
a second wife Lydia Day, dau. of Noah and Ann Day, April 8, 
1794. Mrs. P. was b. in Colchester, Conn., Nov. 15, 1777. In 
1819 they removed to Hawley, N. Y., and from there to P in 



414 mSTORICAL SKETCHES Oi" 

1825, and settled on N. p't of lot 18, T. 5, buying a claim of 
Wm. Harris. Thay occupied a log house standing near the 
track of the B., C. & P. R. R., west of the house of Franklin 
Gnswold. Dr. and Mrs. P. were Baptists. Dr P. d. Sept. 21, 
1843. Mrs. P. d. May 8, 1858. They were bu. in Brocton 
cemetery. 

Family of Dr. and Mrs. Peters. —{I) A son by his first m., 
who d. in 1801. By the second m, (1) Azuba : b. in Hoosick, 
N. Y., Jan. 20, 1795 ; d. in Vt. in Oct., 1796. (2) Joseph : b. in 
Vt. July 31, 1796: d. in Mendon, N. Y., Aixg. 27, 1812. (3) 
David: b. in Cazeno\'ia, N Y, Nov. 23, 1800; m. Matilda 
Lucus March 21, 1823. (4) Lydia : b. in Cazenovia, N. Y, Feb. 
17, 1803 ; m. J. H. Hulburt of P., March 21, 1824 ; settled in 
P. and still living there. (5) John : b. in Mendon, N. Y., June 
2, 1805 ; was drowned in Niagara river July 25, 1828. (6) 
Eliza : b. in Mendon, N. Y., Dec. 11, 1808 ; m. John Chamber- 
lain Nov. 27, 1S80, in P.; now living in P. 

215. LORENZO POWELL— Was the son of Charles and 
Rhoda Wilbur Powell, and b. in Dutchess county, N- Y, Feb. 
9, 1805. He came to P. from Ulster county in 1825. In 1829 
he went to Keene, N. H., returning to P. in 1835. He ra. 
Ethlinda Richardson in Keene Nov. 2, 1833. When first in P- 
he purchased, a claim of Frederick Bail to a farm now owned 
by Dea. Henry Reynolds, N. E. p't of lot 36, T. 5, upon wliich 
he settled in 1835. In 1 837 he built the house now owned and 
occupied by Dea. Reynolds. In 18G5 he sold to Wm. Hasbrouck, 
who sold to Reynolds. Mr. P. now lives at Portland Center. 
He m. for a second wife Mrs. Lydia Rositer. Mr. P. wag 
formerly a whig in politics, but m later years a democrat. For 
ijiany years he was a member of the M. E. church, but is not 
now a member of any religious denomination. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Powell. — (1) Homer: b. Oct. 2, 
1834; m. Laui'a Fish; lives in Corry, Pa. (2) Wallace : b. 
July 10, 1836 ; m. 1st, Mary Hank ; 2d, Kate Kidwalder. (3) 
Mary Jane : b. Jan. 18, 1838 ; d. in 1844. (4) Owen W.: b. 
April 29, 1840; m. Mary Jane Millett ; lives at Portland 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. 415 

Center. (5) Chaeles : b. March 31, 1842 ; m. Alice Alexander. 
( 6) Maueice : b. April 2, 1844 ; m. Kate Harjier ; lives at 
Meadville, Pa. (7) Saeaii Jane: b Dec. 24, i840; m. Ed. 
Richardson ; lives in Kansas. 

21G. ROBERT ODELL— Came to P. from some portion of 
New England abont 1825, possibly in 1823. He settled on a 
p't of lot 8, T. 5. He was a potter by trade and worked at 
that calling on the bank of the lake a short distance west of 
the mouth of the Little Canadaway creek. The remains of the 
old pottery are still to be seen. About 1833 he went to Ohio. 
He was a bachelor. 

217. JOHN ODELL— Came to P. from some of the eastern 
states about 1825 and lived on a farm owned by his bro. (No- 
210). He was a man of good education, a Httle eccentric, and 
averse to hard labor. In 1832 or '33 he drew $800 in a lottery 
and at once left town for Ohio, where he invested his funds in 
land and eventually became wealthy. 

218. LOVEL ONTHANK— Was the son of WilHam and 
Mitty Newton Onthank, and was b. in Worcester county, Mass., 
June 15, 1792. He m. Mmira Parker in Westfield, this county, 
June 12, 824. Mrs. O. was b. in Litchfield, Conn., April 17, 
1793. They removed to P. the next spring and settled on p't 
of lot 60, T. 4. He occupied a log house until 1 S'S 1 when he 
built a frame house, which is still standing and occupied by D. 
Dibble. Mr. O. came to this county in 1817 from M'ass., 
walking the distance in thirteen days. The cross-roads was 
then but a point in the wilderness He helped to clear the 
ground where now stands the house of the late James \IcClurg 
in Westfield. He was a farmer and stone mason. He was in 
the service in the war of 1 8 1 2 at Boston, Mass. He was not a 
professor of religion, but exemplary in all the relations of life ; 
politically a whig and afterward a republican He d in P Mar. 
23, 18(30. Mrs. O d. Feb. 25, 1854. They were bu. in Ever- 
green cemetery. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Onthayik. — (1) William D.: b. Jan. 
19, 1826, in P.; m. Rosana Brown, dau. of Samuel Brown, May 

53 



416 HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 

18, 1851 ; now lives in P. (2) Geoegk H-: b. in P. Sept. 15, 
1829 ; m. Bell Woods in Sept., 1851 ; settled in P., but now 
lives in Iowa. (3) Merab A.: b. in P. Aug. 22, 1832 ; m. 
Chandler Colt in May, 1851 ; now lives in P. (4) Harriet: b. 
in P. April 9, 1836; m. Joel Paissell in Nov., 1854; d. Feb. 24, 
1858 ; bu. in Evergreen cemetery. (5) Ch.\rles W.: b. in P. 
Aug. 29, 1839 ; m. Helen McDonald of Illinois, in 1866 ; lives 
at Rockford, in that state. 

219. ROBERT LEECH— Was b. in Northumberland county 
Pa., Nov. 4. 1768. His father's given name is not remembered, 
but his mother's maiden name was Sally Shaddon. Mi-. L. lived 
for eight years in South Carolina and for some time in Cayuga 
and Genesee counties, in this state, after his majority. He 
m. Mrs. Margaret D. Goldsborough, wid. of Joseph Goldsbo- 
rough. dau. of Hugh and Mary Smith Campbell, and sister of 
Hon. Thomas B. Campbell of Westfield, this county, March 26, 
1811, at Scipio, Cayuga county. Mrs. L. was b. at Alexandria, 
(nrrafton county, N. H., May 3, 1781. They removed to this 
county from Batavia, this state, in 1823, and lived for a year 
and a half on the Vorce farm, west of W estfield, a part of that 
time keeping tavern, but removed to P. in March, 1 825, settling 
on p"t of lot 38, T. 5, buying of Philip Kane. They occupied 
a log house midway between the north and south roads, on the 
line of McMahan's road. Mr. L. d. there Oct. 21, 1830, and 
was'bu. in Evergreen cemetery. The first marble stone placed 
in these grounds was at the head of his grave. After the 
death of Mr. L. the family built a fi-ame house on the north 
road where they lived for many years. Mrs. L. d. there May 
21, 1873, aged 92 years, lacking three days. Mr. L. was 
Presbyterian in religious sentiment ; in politics a whig and 
anti-mason. 

Fainily of Mr. and Mrs. Leech. — (1) IVIaev Ann Goldsbo- 
rough: a dau. by Mrs. L.'s first m.; b. in Scipio, Cayuga Co., 
Aug. 18, 1803; m. John S. Coon in P. May 5, 1837 ; settled 
upon the homestead; d. there April 28, 1873. (i) Sally 
Louisa : an own dau.; b. in Genoa, Cayuga county, May 1, 1812; 



THE TOWN OF POKTLAND. 417 

still living upon the homestead, the only remaining member of 
the family. 

220. THOMAS BIGELOW— Was the son of Thomas, and 
b. at Douglass, Mass., Sept. 8, 1781. Re m. Jerusha Putnam 
Sept. 28, 1802. Mrs. B. was b. at Sutton, Mass., Dec. 13, 
1779. In 1S04 they removed to Vt.; in 1822 to Verona, 
Oneida county, this state, and from Verona to P. in April, 
1826. He purchased a claim to p't of lot 46, T 4, east of 
Prospect station, B., C- & P. R. B., and at first occupied a log- 
house covered with hollow logs split open and placed side by 
side, the hollow side up. In 1836 or '37 this jnoneers palace 
was exchanged for a more commodious and comfortable fi'ame 
dwelliug. Mr. B. possessed a hardy constitution that fitted 
him well for pioneer life. • By his untiring energy and econom 
ical habits he succeeded in reclaiming his farm fi'om the forest 
and providing for a large family. He was a believer in the 
christian faith, and in jDolitics was a republican. Mr. B. d. in 
March, 1871, in his 90th year. Mrs. B. d. in May. 1865, aged 86. 
Tbey were bu. in W & P. U. cefiietery. 

Family of Mt. and Mrs Blgelow. — (1) Puiman: b. in 
Douglass, Mass., Nov. 21, 1803 : m. Nancy Wiley, and settled 
in Rome, Oneida county, this state ; d. there Dec. 8, 1851. (2) 
Hannah : b. in Vt. March 2H, 1806 ; m. Isaac Newcomb ; settled 
in Durham ville, Oneida county, this state (3i Lawson T.: b. 
in Vt. Jan 25, 1810 ; m. Mary Hall in P. in 1835 ; settled in 
town, but removed to Minnesota in 1 866. (4) Betsey : b. in 
Vt. April 18, 18i2; m. Benj. Brown; settled in Pine Grove, 
Pa.; d. May 4, 1849; was bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. (5) 
Jason: b. in Vt. April 13, 1815 ; m. Philinda Andrews Feb. 4, 
1841 ; settled in P. and -still lives there. (6) Lucy: b. in Vt. 
April 28, 1817 ; m. James Thompson in 1845 ; settled at Pine 
Grove, Pa. (7) Emekson W.: b. in Vt. March 8, 1820 ; d- Sept. 
15, 1840; bu. in W. & P. U- cemetery. (8) Saeau: b in 
Verona, Oneida county, this state, Nov. 7, 1823; m. Alpha 
Barnes Dec. 22, 1847 ; settled and still lives in P. at Prospect 
station. 



418 HISTORICAT, SKETCHES OF 

221. BENJAMIN NICHOLS— Settled on central p't of lot 
21, T. 5, farm since known as the Ogden farm, about 1826. 
He remained but ten years, removing to the town of Chautau- 
qua in 1836, and from there to some of the western states. 

222. ISAAC DENTON— A cousin of Mrs. Elisha Rositer of 
Pomfi-et, settled on E p't of lot 1 , T. 5, on the " old Chautau- 
qua road," in April, 1826, land now owned by Jonas Farnham. 
About 1832 he went to Greenfield, Pa. 

223. HENRY C CLEMENTS— In 182 7 settled on p't of lot 
23, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by Ervin Kelley. He 
came from the eastern part of the state ; was a man of great 
energy and activity, but remained in town but a few years, 
removing to Pa. about 1833. For two or three years he was 
part owner of the Everts scuv-mill. * 

224. JOHN WILBUR— Came to P. from Chenango county, 
this state, in 1826. He never owned real estate in town. He 
m. for a second wife Mary B. Flint, sister of Henry Flint of 
this town He removed from P. to Elgin, 111., and d. there. 
Mrs. W. is still living there. * His son John m. Alma, dan. of 
Wm. Dunham, an early settler. 

225. REUBEN B. PATCH— Was b. in the town of Hawley, 
Franklin county, Mass., Jan. 8, 1783. He m. Permelia, dau. 
of Jediah and Rachael Thayer, in Mass. Mrs. P. was b. in 
Mass. Nov. 27, 1787. They removed to Westfiold, this county, 
in March, 1814, and settled on p't of lot 31, T. 4, R. 14, land 
now owned by the heirs of Luther Twing. In 1826 he 
removed to the east part of P. and settled on p't of lot 4, T. 5, 
purchasing of Ahira Hall Mr. P. was a farmer ; liberal in 
his religious views, and politically a democrat- He d. -Tan. 
J 3, 1853; Mrs. P. d. Sept. 0, 1868. They were bu. in Ever- 
green cemeteiy. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Patch. — (I) Pekmelia E.: b. Sept. 
28, ]815; d. May VX, 1853. (£) Rkuben B, jr : b. Sept. 5, 
1817 ; living, but not m. (3) Heniu' : b Dec. 1819 ; m. Mrs. 
Helen E. Wilbur Aug. 16, 1863; now lives upon the Sanmel 
Brown farm, N. W. p't of lot 12, T. 5 (4) Rhoda G.: b. May 



THE TOWN 6f PORTLAND 419 

27, 1822 ; m. James Crandall Oct 18, 1853 ; d. in Brocton in 
May, 1 859 ; bii. in Evergreen cemetery. 

The marriage certificate of Mr and Mrs. P., now in the 
possession of the wiiter, is unique in character and a pattern 
of brevity, as follows : "Personally Appeared Before me 
Reuben Blood Patch and Permelia thare and I Married them. 

6th feb'y, 1812. Jonathan J. Sweet, Justice Peace." 

22(i. CHARLES PRICE— Was the son of Stephen and 
Elizabeth Hall Price, and was b. in Morristown, N. J., April 
20, 1786. He m. Mary Neff in Homer, Cortland county, this 
state. July 30, ;809. Mrs. P. was b. in Amsterdam, N Y., 
Oct. 18, 1792. They removed to Hinsdale, Cattaraugus Co., 
in May, 1817, and from there to P. in 1827. He lived at first 
on a farm of Wilson Andrews, on lot 55, T. 4, but in 1827 
removed to the farm of John Price, occupying a log house 
standmg where the house of Mrs. Roosa now stands, on p't of 
lot 38, T. 5. In 1 828 he removed to the town of Chautauqua, 
and to Jamestovm in June, 1852, where he d. Nov. 20, 1868. 
Mrs. P. is still living. Mr. P. was a carjDenter by trade, and a 
Baptist in religious sentiment. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Price. — (1) Eunice: b. Nov. 24, 
IMl. (2) Addison A. : b. June 26, 1814. (3) Wilson A : b. 
Sept. 24, 1816. (4; Makia: b. Dec. 4, 1818. (5) Ciiari.es H : 
b. Nov. 7, 1820. (G) Clakissa B.: b. April 11, 1823. (7 & 8) 
Eva I. YN and Caroline, twins : b. June 16, 1825. (9) Orlando 
L.: b. Sept. 7, 1.^27. (10) Silas C: b. July 7, 1830. (11) 
Chester B.: b. Nov. 22, 1832. (12) Adam N.: b. March 14, 
1835. 

227. OBADIAH HUNT— Came to P. fi'om Cayuga county, 
N. Y., in 1827. His wife was Clarinda Simmons- The family 
of Mr. H. were originally from Vt. He settled on p't of lot 
31, T. 4, farm now occupied by Roscoe Granger Mrs. H. d 
here in 1830. Mr H. d. at the house of Bela Burroughs in P. 
April 12, 1855. He was a farmer and shoemaker; ijolitically a 
whig, and a member of the Presbyterian chui'ch. 

Family of Mr. and 3Irs. Hunt. — (1) Zukel : m. Sally Hop- 



420 HISTOlJICAl, SKETCHES OF 

son ; lived for some years on the farm now owned by 

Guest, p't of lot 31, T. 4, and d. there Jan. 3, 1850, Mrs. H. 
is still living. (2) Sylvia : m. Bela Burroughs ; lived for 
many years in P. on S p't of lot 13, T o ; d. Oct. 1, 1872 
Mr B. d. in Nov., 1872. (3) Polly : m John Henderson : 
lives in Syracuse, N. Y. (4) Oeein : m. Margaret Thayer : 
lived on " Thayer hill," N. E. p't lot 32, T. 4 : d there in Feb. 
1864. (5) Ebenezek ; m. Sally Cole ; lives near Meadville, Pa. 
(6) Bekiah G : m. Jane Shaver; d. in Jamestown, N. Y., in 
1854. (7) John: m Nancy Rider; d. in 1868 (8) Hikam : 
m. Eliza Hamlin ; lived in Chautauqua ; d. there in 1854. (9) 
Violetta: m. Freeman Allen; lived in Pa.; afterward in P., 
and d. here in 1844. (10) Philena : m David Biu-dick; lives 
in Conneautville, Pa. (11)Chl(>e: ni. Charles Cole; lives at 
Spring Corners,. Pa. (12) Amos: m Maria Burroughs; lives in 
Charlotte, this county. 

228. SAMUEL HALL— Came to P from North East, Pa., 
as early as 1827. He bought a small farm in part of Jacob 
Light, east of Brocton, farm now owned by D 'P. Benjamin, 
ji't of lot 4, T. 5 In 1835 he sold to Sela M Benjamin and 
removed to Salem X Roads, now Brocton, and for a year was 
engaged in mercantile pursuits with E. R. South wick. ^See 
3Iercha7its.'] Early in 1837 he pui'chased the house now owned 
and occupied by D. T. Taylor in Brocton, then standing near 
the house of H. A. S. Tliompson west of Brocton, which he 
occupied until 1849 when he sold to Di-. T. Cushing and 
removed to the central part of the state. He was for many 
years postmaster at Salem X Roads- Mr. and Mrs. Hall were 
members of the Congregational chiu'ch in P. They had no 
family, 

229. HARVEY WILLIAMS— Was the son of Joseph, and 
came to P. from Sangerfield, Oneida county, N. Y., in 1827. 
He was b. March 5, 1V99, and m. Mrs. Katharine Harrison 
soon after coming to P. He settled on the farm now owned 
by W. C. Warner, S. E. p't of lot 14, T. 5, buying of his bro. 
Ebenezer, and occupied a log house until 1830 when he built 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND. • 421 

a frame lionse recently removed by Mr. Warner, in whicli he 
kept a tavern until 1835 when he sold to S. S. Hawkins. He 
built the house now owned by A. J. Mericle on E. Main street, 
Brocton, which he occupied in 1837. In 184:7 he sold this to 
Austin Haines and occupied the house now owned by John 
Capwell in Brocton. He removed to Milwaukee in 1849. Mrs. 
W. d. April 9, 1828, and Mr. W. m. Sarah Ann Drake, a half 
sister of Mrs. H. A. S. Thompson, in 1830. Mrs. W. d. in 
Milwaukee. Mr. W. was an active business man and did much 
toward developing the town of liis adoption. \^See 3fills.'] He 
went to California in 1851, but now lives in Laclede, Linn Co-, 
Missouri. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Williams. — (1) Jane: m. Lafayette 
Lake ; d. in Milwaukee. (2) Thomas : went to California with 
his father in 1851, and was shot in an encounter with despera- 
does and d. of his wounds. 

230. DAVID HULBIJRT.— Rev. David Hulbuit was the sou 
of David and Dorcas Mallory Hulburt, and was b. in Vt. May 
29, 1770. He m. Elizabeth Barnes at Orwell. Vt., Nov. 14, 
1792. He was jDrdained a minister of the Baptist order at 
Orwell in 1795. He labored in the ministry at various places 
in Vt., Genesee county, N. Y., and Crawford county, Pa. He 
removed to P. trom Crawford county in 1822 and settled on 
p"t of lot 1 8, T. 5, on the old Erie road, occupying a log house 
until 1 834 when he built a frame house, which is still standing 
on the farm. After coming to P. he preached only as a supply, 
not having again the care of a church, preaching in Mayville, 
Westfield, Stockton and some other places. He was a man of 
an ii-on constitution and retained his natural vigor in a good 
degree to his 90th year. Often at the age of 80, and for some 
years later, he would walk four miles, preach a discourse and 
return, and after his 90th year he would walk two miles and 
return, and once after his 93d year. During the latter portion 
of his life he could read and write without the aid of glasses as 
well as in younger years. As a minister he baptized nearly 
eleven hundred persons, m. two hundred couples, and preached 



422 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

two hundi'ed and fifty funeral sermons. In politics he was a 
whig and republican. He d. April 18, 1864, aged 93 years and 
10 months. Mrs. H. d. April 7, 1852. They were bu. in 
Brocton cemetery. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Hulhurt. — (I) Cephas: b. April 11, 
1 794 ; m. Sarah Ellsworth in Vt.; settled in Genesee county, 
this state ; d. a soldier in the Mexican war in 1848. (2) David : 
b. Feb. 11, 1798; m. Betsey Arnold in Yates county, this 
state ; settled there. (3) Elizabeth : b. April 1 6, 1 800 ; m. 
Lemuel Logan of Crawford county. Pa.; settled there. (4) 
James H.: b. July 8, 1802; m. Lydia Peters of Genesee Co.; 
settled in P. in 1824. Mr. H. first came to P. in 1820. (5) 
Hknky: b. June 18, 1804 ; m. Ruby VVebb in Yates county ; 
settled in Mich.; d. there March 26, 1837 (6 & 7) Fanny and 
Phila, twins: b. Nov. 26, 1806; m. at the same time and 
place, the former Jason Wilton and settled in Ohio ; the latter 
Wm. Tucker and settled in Ohio, but afterward removing to 
P. (8) Jauvis : b. Dec. 1, 1808: m. Abigail Chamberlain and 
settled in Pa. (9 & 10) 1'iiiletus and Clemania, twins : b. Jan. 
8, ^811 ; the former m. Esther Scriptur and.settled in Wis.; 
the latter m. Joel Burch and settled in Rtishville, this state ; d. 
Nov. 15, 1849 (11) Chauncey: b. Aug. 14,1813; m. Lucy 
Whipple; settled in Albany, N. Y. (12) Pkkry: b. June 25, 
1816; d. in 1854. 

231. ROBERT LEAVITT— W^as the son of Robert, and 
was b. near Portland, Me., Jan. 31, 1775. He m. Sally Brown 
in Vt. Sept. 2, 1801. Mis. L. was b. in Me. Sept. 21, 1784- 
After several changes he settled in Ellery, in this county, in 
1824, and came to P. fi'om there in 1827. He purchased a 
claim to p't of lot 38, T. 5, of Sylvester Churchill, and occupied 
a log house on the old Erie road. In 1829 he built a saw-mill, 
now known as the Goodsell mill, and in 1 830 the fi-ame house 
now standing on the farm, and opened a tavern. In 1831 or 
early in 1832 he sold to Rodolphus Brown and removed to 
Portland Center and built the house now occupied by G. W. 
Munger as a blacksmith shop, in which he kept tavern about 



THE TOWN OF POETLAND. 423 

two years. In 1834 he removed to Wattsbui'g, Pa., where he 
d. April 25, 1846. Mrs. L. d. in P. April 29, 1830. Mr. L. m. 
for a second wife Mrs. Hannali Morey, a sister of Asa Blood, 
now of Westfield. He was a farmer, blacksmith and general 
mechanic, and in religious sentiment a Methodist. 

Family of Mr. and Mis. Leavitt. — (1) Guy: b. Oct. 8, 1805; 
now living at Vernon, Ind. (2) George : b. Jan. 15, 1808 ; d. 
at Bloomington, 111. (3) Hepsibah : b. in Canada Sept. 20. 
1809 ; is a wid.; lives at Richfield, Ohio. (4) Rai,ph : b. Dec. 
19, 1811 : lives at Pittsford, Mich. (5) Chaeles: b. in Seneca 
county, this state, Aug. 8, 1815 ; lives in Cleveland, Ohio ; is a 
real estate broker. (6) Eli : living at Jayuesville, Wis. (7) 
Robert : b. in Pembroke, this state, Nov. 17, 1822 ; lives at 
Vernon, Ind. By the 2d m., (1) Sarah : b. May 19, 1831 ; now 
living at Vernon, Ind. (2) Ward: b. Oct. 13, 1833 ; living at 
Vernon, Ind Mrs. L. had a dau. by her first m., Diadama, of 
whom nothing has been learned. 

232. CHARLES F. ARNOLD— The son of John F. and 
Eimice Ball Arnold, was b. in Westchester county, N. Y., in 

1781. He m. Slocum, dau. of Samuel and Ruth Hall 

Slocum, who was b. at Newport, R I., in 1783. They lived 
many years in Vt., but came to P. from Wayne county, this 
state, in 1828. He bought the farm now owned by Samuel 
Caldwell, N. W. p't of lot 40, T. 5, where he lived five years. 
In 1833 he sold to Mr. Caldwell and removed to Michigan in 
May, but returned in Aug. of the same year and bought the 
farm now owned by his son Samuel, N. E. p't of lot 40, T. 5, 
where he still resides. This farm was first settled by Jesse 
Baldwin. Mr. A. is a fanner ; in religion Unitarian, and in 
politics a republican. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold. — (1) Mary : m. Alanson 
G. Jones in 1833 ; lives in P. (2) Jane: m. Gayles Jones in 
1837 ; lives in Michigan. (3) John F.: m. Filey Harris in 
1844 ; lives in Nebraska. (4) Charles : lives in Nebraska : 
never m. (5) Julius M.: m. Melissa Clark in 1841 ; lives in 
Nebraska, (ti) Calvin: never m.; d. in 1859, (7) Amv : d. 

54 



424 



HISTOKICAL SKETCHES OF 



young. (8) Samuei, : m. Vashti M. Barton in 1852 ; lives on 
the homestead. 

233. DAVID DEAN— Came from Ohio in Sept., 1828, and 
settled on p't of lot 2, T. 5, farm now owned and occupied by 
Waldo Brown. He sold and returned to Ohio in 1835. Mrs. 
Dean was a sister of Mr. Samuel Millet. 

234. SILAS POMEKOY.— Dr. Pomeroy came to P. in 1828 
and settled on 8. p't of lot 40, T. 5, adjoining the farm owned 
by the heirs of M. P. Vanleuven. He built the house now 
occupied by the family of Mr. Vanleuven. He was a Methodist 
preacher and botanic doctor. Some years later he removed to 
Michigan. 

235. WAREEN BAKER— Came to P. in 1828 and settled 
on the N. p't of lot 40, T- 5, farm now owned in part by Wm. 
Renouard and others. He d. here and was bu. in Evergreen 
cemetery. Mrs. B. d. at Coldwater, Michigan. 

lamily of Mr. mid Mrs. Baker. — (1) Rowland : m. Mary 
Wilcox; settled on the farm and d. there. (2) Willis: m. 
Deborah A. Congden ; settled on the farm and d. there Oct. 8, 
1854. (3) Silas : m. the wid. of Rowland, but soon d. (4) 

Lydia : m. • • Gould ; d. at Coldwater, Mich. (5) Enfield : 

m. Gould ; also d. at Coldwater. (d) Edwin : never m.; 

d. at Coldwater while on a visit. 

236. AARON WILBUR— Was the son of Brownell and 
Eimice Wilbur, and was b. m the town of Washington, Dutchess 
county, N. Y. , Nov. 22, 1788. He m. Betsey Reynolds, dau. of 
Jacob and Martha Reynolds, in Albany county, this state, Sept. 
27, 1812. Mrs. W. was b. in Reusselaerville, same Co., Aug. 
4, 1789. They came to P. from Dutchess county in June, 
1828, and jourchased a farm of Norman Kibbie of Westfield, 
the N. E. p't of lot 38, T. 5, now owned by Edward McGarrall. 
They occupied a log house built by John Price in 1 815 until 
1839, when they built the fi'ame liouse now standing on the 
farm. They lived upon this farm until 1857 when they 
removed to Portland Center. Dr. Wilbui' was for many years 
a physician and surgeon, but after his removal to P. a farmer. 



THE TOyrtJ OF PORTLAND. 425 

[See Physicians.] Dr. W. d. Jime 23, 1871, and was bu. in 
W. & V. U. cemetery. Mrs W. d in 1872 and was bu. by the 
side of her husband. Dr. W. was a Quaker in sentiment ; 
politically a democrat. 

Family of Br. and Mrs Wilbur. — i^l) Morgan : b. in Albany 
county in 1 816 ; m. Sally Clements and settled in McHenry 
county. 111. (2) Jake tte : b. in Albany county in 1817; m. 
Edward B. Taylor and settled in P. (3) Darwin : b. in Dutchess 
county in 1819 ; m. MaryF. Shuflfin P. and settled at Harvard, 
McHenry county, HI. (4) Maktha A.: b. in Dutchess county 
in 18"22 ; m. Samuel Caldwell in P. and settled there. (5) 
James B.: b. in Dutchess county in 1824; d. in P. Oct. 18, 
1829. (6) Emeline J.: b in Dutchess county in 1827; m. 
Henry Burchard ; settled in P.; d. in Pomfret in 1872 (7) 
James B.: b in P. in 1830 ; m. Louisa Smart ; lives in West- 
field, this county. (8) Hakeison : b. in P. in 1833 ; m Orvilla 
Price ; lives in Dunkirk. 

287. BROWNELL WILBUR— Was bro. of Dr. Aaron Wilbur 
(No. 236), and came to P. with him in 1 828. He purchased of 
Norman Kibbie a part of the Price farm, p't of lot 38. T. 5, land 
now owned in part by the heirs of Jacob Roosa and Henry 
Churchill. He occujDied a log house near David Eaton's on 
the old Erie road. He sold in 1 837 and removed to Faiiport, 
Monroe county, this state, where he still lives. 

238. JOSEPH SHAVER— Was the son of George and 
Charity Becker Shaver, and was b- in Greene county, N. Y., 
Sept. ] 6, 1 790. (The family name was originally written 
Shaffer.) He ra. Lucinda E. Mallory in Blenheim, Schoharie 
county, in 1814, and removed fi'om the town of Hunter, in 
Greene county, to Oil Creek, Pa., in 182G and to P. in 1828. 
He settled on p't of lot 27, T. 5, buying a claim of Simon 
Burton. Upon this he lived until 1855 when he sold to Luther 
Blood and bought of L. J. Peet the N, p't of the same lot, 
where he lived until 1 867 when he sold to T. L. Harris. He 
is still living, in Ripley, this county- Mrs. S- d. in Ripley 



426 HISTORICAI, SKETCHES OF 

March 28, 1871. Mr. S. is a Universalist ; politically a 
democrat. 

Family of Mr. and 3frs. Shaver.— (1) Harriet E.: b. July 
6, 1815, in Schoharie county; m. Ervin Crosby in P.; now 
lives at Middlebury, Summit county, Ohio. (2) Amy Ann : b. 
in Schoharie county in 1817; m. C. H. Lee; d. in Ohio in 
186(i. (8) Charlotte M.: b. in Chenango county in 1822 ; m. 
G. Clements in Ohio, and lives there. (4) George : b. in 
Greene county April 27, 1827 ; supposed to be still living — a 
wanderer. (5) Julia Ann : b. in Oil Creek township, Pa., 
March 22, 1828 ; d. in P. July 31, 1848. (6) Joseph H.: b. in 
1^ April 16, 1834; m. Elizabeth Vangaasbeek in P.; lives in 
Ripley, this county 

239. NICHOLAS UHL— Was the son of Daniel and Mary 
Uhl, and was b. in Union Vale, Dutchess county, N. Y. He 
ra. Eliza Hillar, dau. of Jonathan and Joanna Briggs Hillar, 
who was b. in Dover, same county, March 23, 1796. They 
came to P. in lS'28 and settled on p't of lot 34, T, 5, buying a 
claim of James Ray, the farm now occupied by M. S. Noxon. 
He occuj)ied a small frame house, which, enlarged and 
improved, is still standing and occupied by Mr. Noxon. He 
sold in 1868 to Isaac Shattuck and removed to the west part 
of town and purchased a house and lot of N. Sacket, where he 
d. in Oct. the same year. He was bu. in W. & P. U. cemetery. 
Mrs. U. is still living, with her bro., A. B. Hillar, in a helpless 
condition. Mr. and Mrs. U. had no family. They were both 
of them noted for their energy and perseverance and their 
powers of physical endurance. Mr. U. belonged to no religious 
sect but favored in his views the Society of Friends. Politically 
he was a whig and republican. 

240. JAMES RAY — Lived in P. but two or three years, and 
for one year (1827) kept a tavern on the McKenzie place. He 
removed to Westfield in 1 828 and for several years kept public 
house there. Some years later he removed to Ashtabula, Ohio, 
and d. soon after. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 



427 



241. ANSON DRIGGS— Was the son of Martin and Joanna 
Bradley Driggs, and b at Hartford, Conn., June 18, 1789. He 
in. Sylvia Barbour, dau. of Roswell and Betsey Barbour, at 
Sheldon, N. Y., in 1817. Mrs. D. was b. in Otis, Mass., Sept. 
1, 1797. They came to P, from Sheldon in 1829 and pm'chased 
of Wm. Dunn the N. W. p't of lot 30, T. 5, farm now owned by 
John Fleming, where they lived about twelve yeare. He 
changed his location several times, and about 1855 purchased 
the Seth Richardson farm, ji't of lot 22, T. 5, where he d. Oct. 
15, 1858. He was h\\. in Evergreen cemeteiy. His w. is still 
living. Mr. and Mrs. D. were raembei's of the Cong, church 
in F. Mr. D. was in the U. S. service in the war of 1812 to 
its close. Politically he was a whig and republican. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Driggs. — (1) Andeew B.: 'b. Aug. 
12, 1818, in Sheldon, N. Y.; m. E. Fuller Nov. 6, 1845, in P.; 
lives in Westfield, this comity. (2) J. E. Driggs : b. May 18, 
1820, at Leicester, N. Y.; d. March 22, 1825, at Sheldon. (3) 
MiLo A.: b. Aug. 27, 1821, at Leicester; m. Lovina Palmer 
April 13, ]841 ; lives in Westfield. (4) Sophkonia S.: b. Jan. 
21, 1823, in Leicester; m. Lexington Taylor March 5, 1855; 
lives in Harmonsburg, Pa. (5) LovrNA : b. Aug. 28, 1824, in 
Sheldon ; m. M. H. HamHn Nov. 9, 1842 ; lives in HI. (6) 
Julia E.: b. Ajuil 24, 1825, at Sheldon ; m. Stephen Druse 
Feb. 22, 1843 ; lives in HI. (7) Martin: b. Oct- 15, 1828, at 
Sheldon ; m. Caroline Thayer of P., Sept. 8, 1851 ; lives in 
Erie, Pa. (8) M. T. Driggs: b. Aug. 21, 1829, at P.; d. there 
July 2, 1851. (9) Emily A.: b. in 1831 at P.; m. Wm. Hamlin 
June 19, 1850 ; lives at Harvard, 111. (10> Laura C; b. May 5, 
1833, in P.; m. George Martin Oct. 14, 1855 ; lives in HI. 
(11) Mary A.: b. July 29, 1838, at P.; m A. R Veer Jan. 5, 
1859; lives in Jamestown, Pa. (12) Harrison H.: b. June 30, 
1841 ; killed on Erie & Pittsburg railroad Sept. 12, 1863. 

242. TIMOTHY JUDSON.— The ancestors of Mr, J. were 
fi'om Yorkshire, England, and emigrated to Concord, Mass., in 
1634. In 1 G72 a portion of the family were members of the first 
colony settling in Woodbury, Conn. Noadiah and Clarinda 



428 HISTOHICAL SKETCHES OF 

Kirtland Judson emigrated from Woodbury to Westmoreland, 
Oneida county, N. Y., about 1798, where the subject of this 
sketch was b. Nov. 2, 1801. He and his father came to P. in 
1827 and purchased a claim of Lyman Doolittle to the S. E. p't 
of lot 19, T. 5, and returned. In March, 1828, Mr. J. came 
again to P. with a team and the necessary implements for 
farming. He purchased that year and the next p'ts of lot 18, 
T. 5, land now owned by F. Griswold and others. Sept 15 
the same year he m. Nancy Dalee, dau of Waterman and 
Austis Dalee, who was b. in Cambridge, N. Y., June 27, 1807. 
They occupied a log house on lot 18 for two or three years, 
then building a small frame house on lot 19, which is now 
standing, enlarged and improved. Mr. J. was a farmer, sur- 
veyor and conveyancer, and for nearly the whole period of his 
residence in P. shared largely and deservedly the confidence of 
the people. In 1839 he represented this county, with Water- 
man Ellsworth and Abner Lewis, in the lower branch of the 
state legislature. He was supervisor of the town twelve years, 
and for four years chairman of the board. He was a justice of 
the peace for twenty years and notary public for six years, and 
at various times filled most of the offices in town in the gift of 
the people. He was always a faithful and efficient officer. Mr. 
and Mrs. J. were members of the Presbyterian church in P. In 
politics Mr. J. was a republican. He d. March 10, 1872, and 
was bu. in Brocton cemetery. Mrs. J. is still living, in Fredonia, 
with her dau., Mrs. L. L. Riggs. 

taniily of Mr. and 3frs. Jadson. — (1) Chakles K.: b. in 
June, 1829 , m. Lucy Ingersoll May 3, 1853. He was educated 
at Hamilton College, graduating in the class of 1851, and 
followed the profession of an editor for fifteen years, publishing 
in connection with C. W. McClure the Freeport (HI.) Journal 
for ten of the fifteen years. Now lives in Fredonia, this Co. 
(2) Maeyette : b. Nov 2, 1831 ; m. Luther L. Riggs Sept 20, 
1853 ; resides in Fredonia. (3) Justus D.: b. May 4, 1834 ; m. 
Mary Daily Aug. 2, 1853 ; d. Nov. 20, 1860, in Fredonia, and 
bu. in Brocton cemetery. (4) Ann Eeiza : b. Sept. 26, 1836 ; 




^^^ 4>-2 




*^>^ 



THE TOWN OF POHTLAMD. 429 

d Dec. same year. (5) Albert H.: b. Sept. 21, 1838 ; m. 
Sarah Fairman of Elmira, N. Y., June 1 2, 1867 ; lives in Cali- 
fornia ; is a lawyer by profession. (6) William A.: b. Feb. 17, 
1842 ; lives in Freclonia. 

243. SAMUEL TUCKEE.— Captain Tucker was b. in Wor- 
cester county, Mass., May 10, 1760. His w. , Anna Logan, was 
b. in Conn. Nov. 2, 1770. Oapt. T. was a soldier of the revolutiou 
entering the army at the age of fifteen and serving six years and 
sis months, when he was honorably discharged. With some 
Vermont soldiers he foimd his way to the town of Rupert, 
Bennington county, where he m. He was in many hard fought 
battles, and was present and stood in line at the hanging of 
Major Andre. He was personally and intimately acquainted 
with that eccentric character and daring leader, Col. Ethan 
Allen, both in the army and afterward in Vt. In 1791 he 
removed to Herkimer county, this state ; in 1810 to Silver 
Creek, this county, and some years later to Ripley, now West- 
field, where he lived on a farm at some time occupied by Lyman 
Redington, near the old cross-roads. Li 1829 he removed to 
P. and purchased p't of lot 24, T. 5, adjoining land of J. H. 
Hulbm-t on the east. The house is still standing. His article 
bears date Oct. 27, 1829. Capt. T. d. in P. Oct. 24, 1832. Mrs. 
T. d. in Westfield March 14, 1852. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker. — (1) Samuel, jr., (2) Susanna, 
(3) Anna, (4) Obpha : ra. Charles Burritt of Fredonia ; now 
living with her dau., IVIi's. E. W. Meacham. (5) David, (6) 
Laura, (7) Olive : m. Robert Riddle of Westfield. (8) Hiram : 
m Mary Ann, an adopted dau. of Capt. James Dunn. (9) 
William : m. Phila Hulburt, dau. of Rev. David Hulburt, in 
P. (10) Haeriei" : m. John Wood of Porafret; 2d, John Catlin. 
(11) George W.: m. Mary Ann Gould ; lives in Westfield. 

244. ASAHEL PECK— Son of Joseph and Mary Castle 
Peck, was b. in Newtown. Fairfield county. Conn., May 27, 
1789. His father d. in 1796, and his mother with a family of 
nine ch. removed to New Diu'ham, Greene county, N. Y., in 
1802, and afterward to Chenango, as it was then called, in the 



4:30 mSTOEICAL SKETCHES OF 

Bame county. Previous to 1812 bis mother and several of the 
family d. Eai-ly in March of that year (1812) Mr. P. came to 
Canadaway, in this county, and for a year worked for Judge 
Zattu Gushing, and the next season for a Mr. Cass of Westfield, 
then the cross-roads- To sliow the facility with wliich buildings 
were put up in those days, Mr. P. stated that Mi-. Cass on a cer- 
tain day raised a blacksmith shop before breakfast, a house before 
dinner and a barn before supper. " In those days provisions 
were scarce, they could not be had for love or money. Duiiag 
the summer of 1815 I worked on a mill at Dexterville, this 
county. There were thirteen in the family where I boarded, 
and we had little to eat for three mouths but Johnny-cake and 
milk, (occasionally having a fish for change, however), and for' 
tea had hemlock leaves." In Feb., 1816, he m. Celestia Tin- 
comb, dau. of Samuel and Mary Williams Tincomb, at IVIayville, 
this county. Mrs. P. was b. in Saratoga county in 1798. In 
April they removed to Ripley, this county, where they lived 
thirteen years. In 1828 he removed to P. and bovig'ht of 
Horace Clough the N p't of lot 29, T. 5, which he occupied 
until the fall of 1868 when he sold to John Clark and removed 
to P. Center, where his widow still resides. Mr. P. d. Oct. 4, 
1 872 He was republican in sentiment biit refused to vote 
for many years previous to his d. He was in the war of l8l2 
from May ville, this county, and was among the panic stricken 
heroes who fled after the battle of Black Eock and Buffalo, 
and who in part came together again at Cattaraugus creek. 
Reports were rife that the Indians, let loose by theii' British 
aillies, were sweeping over the country like the " northern 
hordes," killing and scalping the inhabitants and destroying 
whatever came in their way. " After staying there some time 
the colonel selected six men from the regiment, one of whom 
was myself, called us apart and gave us our charge. He told 
us to look out well for Indians lying in wait for us on either 
side of the road, but go to Buffalo, take a sui"vey ot the situa- 
tion and bring back a faithful accoimt, saying at the same 
time, 'You are in great danger.' We went to Buffalo and 



THK TOWN OF PORTLAND. 



431 



found everything in ashes but one blacksmith shop and old 
mother St John's house. No liritish or Indians were in 
.sight. When we returned om- frightened fellow coiuitrymen 
in arms were immensely relieved, and we were .soon discliarged. 
Mr. p. was a man remarkable for the strength of his i-eligious 
sympathies He became the subject of renewing grace in the 
year 18] 9, after, as he said, repeated calls by God through a 
series of years. "• My first religious impressions were at a 
meeting near the foot of the Catskill mountains when I was 
but fifteen or sixteen years old, but, altiiough God repeatedly 
called me by Mis providence in the form of disease, the loss 
of ifiy motherland several members of the family, and by hair* 
breadth escapes, I never came to the final suiTender of my 
whole lieart to Him until the year above stated." Mr. P. soon 
united with the M. E. church and at once began a t30urse of 
usefulness as a christian man. He was for many years a class 
leader and exhorter, and 'in Juh^ 1843. was licensed as a 
preacher at the conference sitting that ^-ear at Fredonia, this 
comity. Hundreds now living well remember the camp meet- 
ings of Father jReck on Kipley Hill, and many no doubt will 
date their religious experience from some of those meetings 
Mr. P. w^as of the opinion that God's dealings wdth him were 
peculiar, and he traced the finger of Providence in many a 
turning point in his life. A month before his death he said to 
the writer, " My work is done. I am waiting upon the banks 
of the river, whose waters are not dark or turbid but clear as 
crystal, until God shall call me." 

Family of Ml .and 3Irs. JPeck. — (I) Sophronia : b. in Ripley 
in 1817 ; m. Lincoln Fay in 1836 ; settled in P. (2) John : b. t 
in Ripley in 1819; m. Ijona Crouch in IBIS ; settled in Ind. 
(3) Mauy : b. in llipley in 1824 ; m. Robert J. Peag in 185] : 
settled in P. (4) C'elestia : b. in P. in 1833 ; m. Charles 
Collmrn in 1862; settled in P. (5) Asahel \.: b. in P. in 
!83o : m. Ann Crouch in 1855 ; lives in P. Center. (G) Frances 
v.: b. in P. in 1840 : m. W. U. Rolf in 1864 ; now living at P. 
Center. They were all m. on the homestead and in the same 
room. 



432 HISTORICAL SKETCHES OF 

245. DAVID GIFFORD— Came from Warsaw, Wyoming- 
county, this state to P. some time previous to 1 830, Jan. 5, 
1 831, he articled p't of lot 2, T. 5, farm now owned by V. G.- 
Farnham. The article was assigned to Patty Farnham Dec. 
i>, 18'^6, and Mr. (4- went west soon after. He has relatives of 
the same name now living in Mayville, this county. 

246. NATHANIEL FULLMi^N— Game to P. fi-om Auburn, 
N. Y., about ! 829 and for several years lived on the S. p't of 
lot 13, T. 5, farm now owned by Linus Burton. His house 
stood east of the house now on the farm, and m the lot some 
distance north of the road. He was a bro. of Lewis Pullman, 
and was a joiner by trade. He afterward renfoved to West- 
tield, in this county, and some years later to Michigan. 

•/AT. THOMy\S OETON— Son of Judge Philo Orton of 
Pomfi-et, m. Hannah Potter, dau. of Jeremiah Potter. Feb. 4, 
1827. After living in Pomfi'et two years they removed to P. 
and occupied the farm since known as the Blood farm, p't of 
lot 26, T. 5, living in a log house where the honse now on the 
farm is standing. He mysteriously left his family and the town 
in 1831 and never returned. He is supposed to be dead. Mrs. 
O. afterward m. Wm. Ensign of Sheridan, this county. She is 

still living. 

248. JACOB STILSON— Settled on N. p't of lot 16, T. 5, 

near the lake, land articled by G. A. Hitchcock and afterward 
owned by James Goldsmith, and now by Horace Skinner. The 
assignment of his article bears date Jan. 7, 1830. Nothing is 
definitely kno\vn of him. 

249. CYRUS TILLOTSON— Lived for several years on the 
N. p't of lot 54, T. 4, land now owned by T. McWhir. He sold 
and went west, but where is not known. His article bears date 
Sept. 1, 1830 

250. SOLOMON and ASA PEASE— Came to P. as early as 
1830 and settled at Portland Center. They were wagon 
makers and manufacturers of most kinds of bent woodenware. 
Their shop stood where the house of Mrs. Peck now stands, 
oj^posite the wine honse of R. D. Fuller. They went west in 
1834 or '35. 



THK TOWN OF POKTLAND. 



433 



251. COTTON NASH— Was the first settler ol the village 
of Centerville. He came into town in 1830, built and occupied 
a shanty where the tavern honse of R. D. Fuller row stands. 
He was a wagon maker. He sold to J. E. Coney in 183'2 or 
'33 and removed to Pa. 

252. JOHN TIBBALS— Was a wagon maker at Centerville 
about 1830. He went west. 

253. ANDREW MATTHEWSON— Came to P. from Nor- 
wich, Chenango county, N. Y., about 1827 He lived for one 
or two years on the farm of Erastus Taylor, and from 1829 to 
1831 kept a tavern in the "old Joy House," on lot 19, T. 5. on 
the South road. He subsequently removed to Canada. 

254. OLIVER ELLIOT— Came to P. from Vt. probal^ly in 
1818, and settled on p't of lot 28, T. 5, house standing a few 
rods N. of the schoolhouse in district No. 2. This house, with 
the one afterward built, has been entirely removed. He was 
twice m. [See Mills.] Mr. E. d. Dec. 7, 1 852. Mrs. E d. 
Sept. 10, 1 845. They were bu. in Evergreen cemetery. 

Family of Mr. <ind Mrs. Elliot. — (1) Rkbe< ca : m. Henry 
Smith of Mayville ; d. there a few years since. (2) Oliver : m. 
Betsey Logan, and eventually moved' to 111. (3) James: m. 
Betsey Scott ; lived for a few years near his father's mill, but 
now at North East, Pa. (4) Hutchinson : m. and lives in 
Cherry Creek, this county. (5) Betsey : m. 1st, Titus G. 
Carley ; 2d, Stejihen Stillwel, and lives in Dunkirk, this county. 
(6) Jonathan B.: m. Eliza Lilly; settled on N. W, p't of lot 
40, T 4, farm now owned by David McGregor, where he d- 
Feb. 15, 1866. (7) Sarah. (8) Koxana : m Moses Elkins. (9) 
Joseph: m. and settled in 111. (10) Sally: m. Linus Ilopson. 
(11) Polly: m. \N . P. Moore; lives in Dunkirk, this county 
(12 & 13) IVins ; names not remembered. 

255. LEWIS PULLMAN— Was the son of Salter and 
and Elizabeth Lewis Pullman, and was b.in Rhode Island July 
26, 1800. He m. Emily C Minton at Auburn, N. Y., Sept. 4, 
1825. Mrs. P was b in Auburn Aug. 14, 1808. They moved 
from there to P. in Jan., 1830, and in 1831 bought p't of lot 



434 HISTOHICAI, SKETCHES OF 

21, T. 5, farm commonly known as the Budlong farm, bow 
owned by Linus Burton, T. L. Harris and others. Upon this 
he built a small frame house which is still standing on the 
premises. He was a carpenter by trade, and a man of some 
inventive ingenuity In or about 1835 he invented a machine 
for moving buildings upon wheels which ])roved eminently 
practi(!al and is the one now in general use. Soon after he 
obtained letters patent for the principle. In 1845 he removed 
with his family to Albion, this state, where he d. Nov 7, 1H53. 
Mrs. P. is still living, in Chicago, 111. One of the best evi- 
dences of industry and perseverance on the part of Mr. P. is to 
be seen in the fact of his success in raising and educating a 
lai'ge family of sons and daughters. 

JFamily of Mr. and Mrs. Pullman. — (1) Royal Henby: b. 
June 30, 1 826, in Auburn ; m. Harriet J. Barmore April 3, 
1845. He was ordained a minister of the Universalist denom- 
ination in 1853, and is now (1871) settled over one of the 
largest and most wealthy parishes in Peoria, 111. (2) Albekt 
B. : b. in Auburn Oct. 16, 1 828 ; m. Emily A. Bennett hi 
Albion May 29, 1848 ; now general superintendent of the 
■•Pullman Palace Car Company," office at Chicago, HI. (3) 
George M.: b. in P. March 3, 1831 : m. Hattie A. Sanger June 
16, 1867. in Chicago. He was the originator of the famous 
" Pullman Palace Cars ' and is president of the " Pullman 
Palace Car Company " at Chicago. (4) Frances : b. July 2, 
1833, in P ; d. Oct. 16, 1834; bu. at Brocton. (5) James M.: 
b. in P. Aug. 21, 1835 ; m. Jennie S. Tracy at Fulton, N. Y., in 
Jan., 1866 ; was ordained a minister of the XTniversalist order 
at Ti-oy, N. Y.: is now pastor of the sixth Universalist church 
in N. Y. city. (6) Charles L.: b. in P April 24, 1841 ; m 
Clara J. Slossen in 1861 ; was three years in the army, war of 
1861 ; now lives -near I'aolo, Kansas. (7) Helen A.: b. in P. 
May 11,1 843 ; educated at Clinton, N. Y., Female Seminary : 
now lives in Chicago, 111. (8) Eriiia- C-: b. in Albion Sept. 25, 
1846; also educated at Clinton ; now lives in Chicago. (9) 
Frank W.: b. May 11, 1849, in Albion: now teller in the 
Third National bank at Chicago. 



THE TOWN OF PORTLAND 435 

25G. ELI SHA ARNOLD— Came from the '• Royal Grant," 
now Herkimer county, this state, in the Avinter of 1813-14. He 
eventually settled on p't of lot 53, T. 4, near Prospect station, 
farm now owned and occupied by his son ^' illiam. The 
family often refer to the hardships of the journey, made in the 
dead of winter with the slow plodding team, then the only 
means of travel. For some years he was engaged in " distill- 
ing " at Westfield, this county. lie was elected a justice of 
the peace in 1831, and supervisor of the town for live years. 
He was an active and efficient member of the board, and was 
popular among his neighbors. He d. on his farm Jan. 23, 1841, 
aged 63 yetws. His wid., Prudence, d. Sept. 5, 1854, aged 75. 

Family of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold. — (1) George W.: b. in 
181)3 ; m. Almeda Stevens ; d. Dec. 25, 1854. For some years 
he owned and occupied the farm now occupied by his heirs, p't 
of lot 41, T. 5. (2) Nancy, (.3) Lydia, (4) Horace: twhi with 
Hiram : b in 1807 : m Betsey Thayer; d. April 15, 1S69. He 
for some years owned and occupied the farm on •' Elm Flats " 
now owned by Oiville Sj)erry. (5) Hiram: twin with Horace ; 
b. VQ. 1807 ; m. Sally Ely, dau. of Heman Ely ; d. April 9, 1851. 
His widow still lives on the farm, N. p't of lot 48, T. 4, which 
is now owned and occupied by a son, G. M. Arnold. (6) 
Paulina : m. Nahum VV- Patch ; d. in Westfield in June, 1872. 

(7) Albert : d. in Ohio. (8) William H.: m. Spurr : now 

living on the old homestead. (9) Sarah : b. in 1815 ; m. 

Spurr ;d. Dec. 10, 1845, (J 0) Chauncey : b. in 1817; m Jose 
phine Culver; d. Feb. 1, 1853. (11) Betsey: b. in 1820; d. 
Oct 16, 1837. (12) Thomas: m. Roxey Barnes, dau. of James 
Barnes ; now living in Minnesota 

257. WILLIAM A. STETSON— Came to P. from Cayuga 
county, N. \., about 1815, and settled on the farm now owned 
and occupied by A. B. Hillar, p't of lot 55, T. 4. He m. Jane, 
a dau. ot Samuel Anderson. Some years later he removed to 
the south part of the county where he kept a tavern for fi-om 
six to ten years. From circumstances it is quite probable tliat 

he d. somewhere in the west. A dau., Mrs. Fisli, is now 

living at Kenosha, Wis. 



i.-tc 



IIIH'ril|;i("\l, HKIv'I'ClIKH (»(•' 



2r.H, .lOSIlTA JACKSON AVmh I., in ('(.nn His |)!uvnls 
(i, in liin fiulv cliildliotKl. He in. in ( 'onn. Al)ij;ail, <liin. of 
WtilKt'f imd S.'iiiili Ij(<\viH, Mnd ("niii^iiiliil I'lom I'ldoktlfhl, llml 
hImIi', li>(i('nv, now ( 'luirlnl I r, in lliis (•i<nnl\, \\\ .liinr, IS|S, 
and iVoni llicic rcniDvrd lo I', m .Inn , IN'JH, t)ccM|iyini;' a lo^- 
lioiiHi' Hliindin;^ npon llii> silr of llio pirscnl lTHid(<nc(> of flu- 
Wlllrl. nil |.| ..r lot i;», T. :.. Ill Is !(» Il(< pnr.'llMSrd lll(> N. K. 

I'l'inci .il lli(> conii'i's, now Uioilon livi ;ici'(>h of land 
njioii w Incli was a lainici v ;ind ;i siuiill dwclliiii;'. llt^ was 
<'Ulj^a.,'<<'d in hnniin,"; iind sliormMKin;'; for scvcimI ndiis, willi 
»'liiin;^('s of r«"4idrn(t' fowidnn a tew v«"aiHof liis d(>aMi. Mr. .1, 
was no|. a rclif^^ionisl Ho was an ardont dcinocial. Ilt<\vas 
an t'vcrllcid cili/rn and nni\ ci .',a!I\ ri's|u'cl('d, lie d. in Uroclon 
in Apiil, ISn;. Mrs. .1 d in i'.ioclon willnii a \vct>lv >>f tlu' 
dt'alli of lici" liiisliand. I'licv wnc lui in Uroclon (•t<inc(riN. 
.\ soil ol" l\Ir .lacKMoii wnlcs, nndci lite li.'ad I'f " Incidents:' 
" An 1 r«>f«>ri'<<d in mv Idler to the incidcnl ol' tlir cow and (lie 
hollow (ii<c. I will ^'ivc vou a detailed at-coiinl oi' il, thonj;li it 
ma\ not l>elon,",' lo I'. Hirictlv. Almnt IS 1 S, direct l\ afler m\ 
I a I liei .11 riv cd in ( 'liatlol Ic, in this coniilv, lie pnn-liased a small 
cow which was e\pcclcd lo s'.ivi' ns aniple lalioiis {i\' iiTdk. 
l''eed hciii;-'' Hh(>it. a l>e!l was suspended to the cow s iieclv an*l 
she waHNi'iil out as Noah n do\ e, and like it did not retninanil 
could nol he tonnd 'riiet(> was wce|iin:.;' anion;; the juveniles 
o\' om faiiuh, >>( whom I wa^i the _vonn,i;"es(., tor the millv of 
(hat cow with the iohnn_\ caUe einmhcd in was the statl" of lite 
wilh ns, and we were soielv atUicted .AftiT three davs, the 
H«vu'eh Immii}^' j^iven over, the twi> hoys of the family w<M(> s<>nt 
inio the woods to >,;alher hean poles, !ind whih' wt-yonn-.;' hope 
fills, not h.'ivine' \\\v toree of wli(>les(inie disi'iplint> l)«>foie om 
i>yes or in (>Mr hearts, were playinj^' upon a l;ir}><' syi-amoie that 
ii.id lalleu to tlie ;; iiMind, st i anu'<> and almost iincarthlv sounds. 
!is we thought, seemed lo issue from tht> tree iiiimedi.-itelN 
heiieath lis. ih.al so fright tailed us that l>(-an poles and all thines 
else w<>rt< forf^otteii hut personal sal'ely, and w c niadt> tracks lot 
till- honst< at a speed that was mar\elons. ('ojil tails would 



'I'lIK TOWN (tK I'dU'l'I.ANll. 



■VM 



liiivc Ikcii 11.1 IL <liH<'i>iiiil if we liiid li.'id luiy, Wclold uiiihI.oiv 
iiH Hooii iiH \v<i \vri(^ iibic Miitl my l.illur hI,!mI»i(I lor llio \v<io(Ihii1 
on<'<\. Oil firriviiiL;' ul. tlic hjioI. mikI looKiiiLC ■" >>'' "i*^ <^|<<I 

mI' IJir t.ico wlicic |)l(>lv('li, hr lii'lirhl Willi ilciij'iil liin loIlLf 

lonl cow She IhkI (•i'n,wl(«l iiilu I lie IkiIIovv ho I'iu lluii hIic 
coiiM iiol f.n'1 linck. SIk' liiul |)roli;ilil_v Mr<'|»|)< <l in IojivokI 
<li(^ HUM or Ilii'M, iokI oMicr ciillh* li;iil |ii'ol*,'ilil v (Jrivcii Im!' in ho 
i'lM' IJini, HJKt wiiH iin.'ililo lo ii,v:mI JirrHtOI' of ilie M.ll,('rii;il.iv(< in :i 
l»;i(l Hcni,|m -bitckinij;' oiil. Sonic ncififlilioiH Kindly ciiiik" lo I he 
rcH<'ii<' iiiid Ity iJic ;iid of iiach in ii, hIioiI IJiik^ ii, dooi w:iH 
opened in i,lie Hide ol" Uic l,rcc IwcnI.y nix feci, IVoin Mic liidKcn 
• lid )i.nd I. he cow liikeii oiil luid driven home, l,o I. he i-rcal joy 
ol' [ill Mie lillh' .)M.cl<!-ionM. TIk^ tree wii,H Hi\ le*'!, in diiuiiel.er 
Mild It mere Hhell. 'I'he iiKMili^nl wiiH not. oiK^ l/O be Hooii i'or{^>'ol 
leii, Mild it. \vii.H lepcMied until ii. hiul h(^coine inileli impi'oved, 
.•ilid il: Wli-H HclioiiHly livened \}y miuiy iJiid; I he cow |tii-HHed up 
\.\\t' li'cc Hi\i>y I'ecl,, Mii'iimI Ikm' heiid llii-()ii^'li a kiiol hole and 
ciiJIed for help. The I'im-Im, however, were ilH I hii.ve Hral,((d 
them," W. II. .). The incideiil loiind il,M w.'iy into piililie 
pi'ini,, and waH tn)M<-ed in a hisl.oiiciil hu^inre al. Kredoiiiii iiomc 
\ earn Hin<"<\ 

l''iiiiiili/ (if Mr.iiitil Mr.<. .hicli'Hoii. (I) Lrwiit: I), in (loiin. 
in IHOli; d. ill (lerry, IImh coiiiily , in IS|'J. (') h',iiiviiiNi) L.: I». 
Ill I'lioolilield, ('oiin, ill All;;', I HOS ; never m ; lives iiciir 
Noiili MiihI,, I'lrie cDiinl.y, I 'a. (;() V\\.\v.,\: |i. in (loiiii. in .Ijui. 
IHIO; III. iMiltoii .loiicH 111 i H.").", ; H<il.l.le<l in I'; now iivcii in 
Kipley, tlii.s eoiinl.y. (I)>,\i;\ii: l». in .iiim\ I HI I ; m. lioicn 
ShaMiKtJv in March, lh::(); scMlcd in I',; ari(trward in Kipley, 
where Mr. S. d. M in. S now livcH in I'Vedoiiia, I. hid c iiiily. 
(T)) William : li in April, IMj I : u\. ('larindii, r.enncM oT NilcH, 
\1ichi{,fan, .Inly, i M.', I ; now li viii;' al. I. hid. plii.c<'. ((») ilaavis: l». in 
< iei ry, I hin coiinl.y, idioiil. i;<'J(»; d. in I H22. (7) Amanha .1.: I». 
Ill (Jc'iy ill IH'.;) ; d. ill l'>rocloii in IMfiM. (H) Maiiia .1.: I), in 
IH'//( ill (Iciry ; d. in lirotrtoii in |H.')|. 



APPENDIX 



The incident I'elated on page i 29 in connection with the 
name of Silas Dinsmore came to the writer thi'ough parties 
supposed to be Avell informed with reference to the facts of 
the case, and had reference to no other than that person ; but 
from evidence since furnished it is found that reference is made 
to an imcle of IVIi-. Dinsmore by the same given name, who foi' 
many years was a citizen of Alabama and in some way connected 
■svith the customs department at the city of Mobile. Perhaps 
the fact of his li\ing in Alabama was one reason why young- 
Silas found liis way there and eventually became a citizen oi 
that state. Another feature seems to need correction : Although 
Mr. Dinamore was reprimanded by the department for his 
indiscretion, he neveitheless was allowed to retain his 
place. The remaining facts with reference to the " Portland 
pedagogue " are correct. The honor of having taught school 
in the town of Portland still remains, and is i»erhaps a greater 
lionor than a little " thrust and parry " with Secretary Craw- 
ford. Mr. Dinsmore, after teaching school at Canadaway for 
one or two terms, lived for some time with his brother, John 
B. Dinsmore, in what is now Ripley, this comity, and while 
there formed the project of visiting his uncle in Alabama, under 
a partial promise from him of employment in a survey in that 
sta.te partly undei' liis direction. He built a small boat or skiff, 
light but strong enough to Vonvey him and such effects as he 
wished to carry, and launched it u])on Chautauqua lake, 
intending to reach New Orleans with it and Mobile from there 
as circumstances should then dictate His lading was soon 
taken m and in due time he passed through the lake, the outlet, 
the Conev/ango, the Alleghany and the Ohio, and found him- 
self floating on the bosom of the " father of waters." Each 
night, aftei- reaching the Ohio at Pittsburg, he would make all 
fast, lay himself down in the bottom of his boat and sleep until 
morning, trusting his craft to the current of the river and find- 
ing himself in the morning many miles advanced on his journey. 



APPENDIX. 4:39 

At some point on the INIississippi, in the dead of night, his 
boat encountered a "• sawj'er " — a tree anchored at the ))ottoni 
of the river with the top broken off" and the body inclined 
down tiie stream. The bow, from the momentum and force of 
the ctirrent, was pushed up its smooth surface, tlie stern 
became correspondingly depressed and in a moment of time the 
frail craft, ending completely over, fell into the water bottom 
upward. His pleasing dreams were rudely interrupted and 
the cool bath suddenly revealed to him the tact that he 
was alone upon the surface of the water and that his boat with 
all his effects, and t?ven his boots, had departed for imknown 
shores. Being a good swimmer, he soon reached tlie bank of 
the river, and in no very enviable iilight, by other means of 
conveyance proceeded to Ids destination. [See p. 129, and 
Biog. Sketches.] 

EAELY MILITAEY MATTERS: 

To ascertain the facts with referince to the foimati(m of the 
Urst military company within the comity of Chautauqua, the 
writer labored at intervals for three years and resorted to 
every conceivable source of information. So little system 
obtained in military matters at that date that few records 
were made and fewer kept, and the memory of the lelics of 
those early days has been found to be not always reliable. 
Such facts, however, as have been brought to light will be 
presented in brief. Previoiis to 1814 the acts of the legisla 
ture organizing the militia within the state were deemed but 
provisional or temi)orary in character. All military organiza- 
tions previous to that date w^ere formed under tlie provisions 
of these several acts, and under them the first company Within 
^the comity. For six years after the first settlement of the 
county those liable to military duty were enrolled and attended 
drills at points now outside of the county, and there exists no 
evidence that any military parad(^ took place within the limits 
of the territory now forming the county until 1808. Some of 
the settlers, however, had been electe<I to honoiable positions 
previous to this date, as wall be seen below, and the writer 
labored long and faithfully to assign them to their proper 
companies l)ut with no satisfactory results. But of the first 
company formed entirely within the county the following facts 
seem to be pretty definitel}- settled : Early in the spring of 
1808 an order was issued to all liable to do military duty 
within the territory now included Avithiu the coimty to meet at 
the house of Mrs. Sarah Perrv at the ffncient erossroads, one 



•440 APPENDIX. 

mil(.' west of Uui coiitoi' ol the present villaj^e of We«tliel<i, on 
a (lay named, Home time (savly in May. In obedience to tlie 
ovd(!r tliere wa8 a ^'eneral attendance! : hardly a man was 

abficoit. Major . a eompcitent offictir from IJulT'ilo, wan 

pnssent to (iifcci the proc,e(MlinfjfH. After the enrollment of 
natmts an (flection for ('()m])any officers waH had. but of the 
naiues (»F tlioHe chosen, with llie ('Xce|ttion of two, there is 
iiolliino- r(;(;or<led oi' rem(anl)e)'(!<l. In regard to tlu! /'/>/?-6 of the 
f'ortnation ther«f secMns to Ix* litth; douJ)t. David Katon, so 
lon^>- a citiz(;n of l-*ortland and who was (^le(;tcd as one of the 
(ii'st officers of the company, was of the opinion that it was 
formed at the time named. Ho was (jnito sanguino from 
various facts he called to mind, and amonjjf tliem his own 
])romoti(mH, which W(!re by rcoiilar i^rade to that of liinitenant 
in the fall of IBDi) oi- spring- of ISlO. Mrs. VVatej-inan TincUom 
of Mayville, who is still livinii;, stat(ul to the writer that wIumi 
h<u' father's family arrivcul in this ccmnty, by way of the lake 
to l*ortland harbor, now IJarcMdona, on some day early in ATay, 
in l<S08, tlKOfi was a military {gathering of some kind at the 
old croiiHroddii, and she more distinctly remembers it from the 
fa(-t that lier bi'other, •b)S(ph Thayer, was llierci and on the 
gi'ound as .-i lifer. It is c(M-tain that theoro-jmizaticm look pbuie 
at the r.rossroa.dfi, and this slatinnent in regard to time corrob- 
orates the statc.^meuts of .Mr. Ji^aton. Previous to this there is 
no evirlence that any di'ill of any militaiy organization was had 
within the limits of this county. As stated with reference to 
lirst officers, but two aj'<3 known : David Eaton was (ileeted a 
sergeant, and often stat(3d that in the org-ani/ation of th it 
company James McMahan outranked him one gra<le and was 
elected captain when he (l*iat(m) was electcnl lieutenant. The 
statenKOit often made and by many believed, that .lo'ii McMa- 
han was th<! iii'st captain of the com])any, is incorrect, tor he 
Wiis made a major as (saily as 18!>7 in the Niagara militia, and 
lieut.-(^olonel about the time .huncss MciMiilian was made ;i 
captain. He was made a colonel in the tall of 1812 or some 
time in the spring of I8!3. Me was a lieut.-colonel command- 
ing iis late as Sept-, I ■'^12 .lames was made a colonel and .lohn 
a brigadier-g(Mieral soon after the close of the war of 1812. 
Those thr(ie officers were through the war, John as colonc^l in 
(command of a regiment. James a captain and I'iatoii as li(>u- 
tenant and icgimental papnast(>r. The late Col. \Vm Bell of 
VVestlield, was of tlu^ o])ini(m that the first lieutenant of the 
company was James Atkins, who had early in the spring of 
that year ojiened a store at i\u'. rroasfO'/d.'i. This may or may 
not have been true — there is nothing to confirm of o])pose the 



APPENDIX. HI 

opinion: Tim Ciiptain may liiivo been and pi'ol)al)ly was \\'ni. 
PvendciguBt. already a captain, who waH made a iiiajoi- wluui 
John MeiMalian was made a lioul. -colonel The naincH of the 
niuyicians of tliis tiist com)»any are not on itH'ord, and but one, 
•losepii Thayer, a titer, reiiiemlxacid ; but some of thoHe nerving 
ivom two to four ycais later wer(! David B. (iianocu" and .labez 
I liilburt as lifiis and Geoige Hall as a drummer A few years 
sin(H' a monumental ston(i waw placed upon tlie giound where 
tliiH (•om])any was fornuid, tlirongli the influence of Hon. V]. T. 
Foote, wiio waH for many yearH a rewident of tlie county and 
one of the most indefatigable anticpiariims of our country 
Th(! nanu^s of the otlicerH of the battallions e.xiKting in Niagara 
county, of wliich this coiuity was then a part, on jNTaich 10, 
I MOH, are here given, but it has n(;t l)een p(>ssil)le to assign 
them to their proper companies. They were fuiiiished by 
Maj. Alfred II. Taylor, of tlie adjutant-general's olFicos, to whom 
the author is iiidelited for valuable services in searching early 
r(icords : Major, John Nh-Midian of the cronHvoads, now Wcst- 
tield ; Adjutant, Jo(>l Lee of Sheridan; Quartermaster, Abner 
Holmes; Captains, William T'rendergast of Chautaucpia, John 
1^]. Howard of Silvei' (!reek, Abiram Orion of Avkwiight, 
Samuel Taylor, Silas Hopkins, Dauiel lleise, John Moiiisori : 
Lieuteixiuts. Jehial Mflore of Foi-estvilh, Alanson We(ul of 
Dewittville, Isaac ]5arnes, Asa ]>ald\vin, John Dunn 2d, Ste})lu'n 
Perkins. ' illiam Hohnes : JCii.^'u/iis.^wWuxn (vass of Hanover, 
Philo Orten of I'ouifret, Janies JMonlgcmuoy. of Westfield, 
SpariD.v Suge, William Chambers, Stephen l>ugbee I'here 
uiiist have been others to nudce the nmnber of each grade 
<!omplete, but the names are not now to be found. Amos Hall 
of Ontario, was brigadier-general and Alexand(!r Ilea colonel. 

Of early militaiy matters within the territory comprised 
within the present town of Portland v(!ry little can be said. 
No sejiarate oi-ganization for th(! town or territory existed oi' 
has sinc(! existed, but th<' settlers associated with those of other 
sections and tin* drills for the most ])art were; held at the cross 
roads, now AVesttield. The fust diill of the tlist company was 
held but a few days alter the foiinatioji, ami it was said that 
the UHsn acquitted themselveK wcsll consideiing the difiiculties 
under which they labored. For sonu' tinu, however, they were 
som(!what lAdstaffiatt, in character. Although the oilicers were 
usually dressed in uniform the rank and iile appeared in 
the homesjiun of the early settler, with hats and boots that 
seived their owners in the toils of their every day life, or 
perhajis with such boots only as nature provided : and a gun 
such as served them V>est in securing ggme, or |»erha])s with 



442 APPENDIX. 

none at all. Notwithstanding the singular display, there was 
a kind of martial spirit among the people tliat long since 
ceased to exist A large degree of pride existed among the 
officers — a desire tor promotion and to exQel, each in his partic- 
ular position. A settler elected to some military position by 
the votes of his neighbors and friends was a subject of envy, in 
a sense, and actually enjoyed a degree ot note and confidence in 
advance, in most cases, of civil position within the same 
territor}^ In 1810, for the convenience of settlers, drills were 
ordered to be held in "• squads," which were of more real 
benefit to the soklier than company or battallion drills. They 
were held at various points, and in the present town of Port 
land at Ingersoll's tavern. At the breaking out of the war of 
181 "2 they were discontinued. So scattered were the settlers 
at first that a regimental drill or general training was deemed 
im]U'acticable, and parades by hattallions were ordered for the 
first two years and were held at the crossroads, Bemus Point 
and Canada way in 1809; one at Mayville in 1810, and one or 
tvvo other points not remembered. In 1811 John McMahan, 
then lieut.-colonel commanding the regiment, after consulting 
with the officers of the regiment, issued an order foi a regi- 
mental muster, to be held within the present town of Portland 
on the fjirm of Gapt. James Dunn, on^)'t of lot 30, T. 5. The 
parade ground was the large field east of the house of Mr. 
Dunn and east of the barns of Mr John Dudley, the present 
owner of tl\p farm. The field extended from the present 
south road to the old Erie road, nearly. The regiment was 
composed of between tour hundred and five hundi-ed men, one 
I'egiment only existing in the county. Thus Portland has the 
honor (^f being the place of the first regimental i)arade in the 
county. The pai'ade was accompanied by all the insignia and 
trappings of war capable of being collected together ; the usual 
accompaniment also of peddlers' carts and stalls, gingerbread 
venders, retailers of cherry brandy and that "forty rod whisky" 
so forcibly alluded to by correspondents, and a large sprinkling 
of " young America." It was an epoch in the military afiairs of 
the coimty. Lieut. Eaton in his letter spoke in high praise of the 
efticiency of the officers during the drill and the good discipline 
of the men in forming and displaying columns, but thought 
there was a great failure in the manunl exercise, characterizing 
it as "rather rough." The next year (1812) war was declared 
with Great Britain, and from the security of home jjarade the 
settlers were introduced to the scenes, dangers and horrors of 
actual military strife. After the war foi- some years nearly all 
(tompany parades for the towp of Portland were held at West- 



APPENDIX. 



443 



•field, no full companies existing in the town as now organized- 
After the organization of the present town of Portland, in 
1829, very little of interest, comparatively, occurred in military 
affairs. Those liable to do -iiilitary duty belonged to organiza- 
tions centering a' Fredoiiia or VVestfield. An occasional 
company parade was ordered in towu, however, but it was an 
exce])tion to the general rule. The martial spiiit of the 
country, with a love of military display, died out. and so utterly 
inefficient were the exercises and so little pi'oductive of good 
in preparing men for the duties of actual service that a law was 
passed a few years since discontinuing the old military regime 
and for reorganizing the forces of the state, which is still 
nominally in force. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 

That part of the " Note ' on page 68 referring to Amos 
Sottle and the first settlement of tliis county may not have 
been written with due caution, as some errors seem to have 
foimd a place there which need correction, and the note should 
be read in connection with the statements here made. Hon. 
E. T. Foote is there given as a reference, Viut the writer, it now 
seems, misapprehended^some of the facts given by him and the 
correction is most willingly made. Since the publication of 
the note considerable discussion has been had with reference 
to the question of '" ^Vllo was the fii'st settler of the count}''?" 
H. H. Hawkins. Esq., of Silver Creek, endeavoring to maintain 
the priority of settlement on the ]»art of Sottle, as against 
■fames McMahan at the ancient crossroads in 1802, which was 
leplied to by Judge Foote at considerable length. It is" not 
denied that Sottle might have been a resident of the county 
earlier than McMahan's settlement, but it is claimed that his 
associations, habits of lif(.' and living were such that in no sense 
could he be called a aettler until some years later. Upon 
I'eading the arguments and facts adduced, and bearing in 
miiid the definition of the word settler, the unprejudiced mind 
at once reaches that conclusicm. Sol tie was a native of Ver- 
mont and emigrated to Chenango county, this state, in early 
life, where he became disajipointed in some " afi'air of the 
heart," left his home and fiiends and found his way to Biifialo. 
then an inconsiderable village of but a few log houses. His 
first introduction to the Cattaraugus bottoms he claimed to 
have been in the fall of 1 T'.Hi in charge of a small herd of 
cattle belonging to scjme party in Buftalo. sent there to winter 
npon the rushes and browse along the rich alluvial lands on 



444 



APPENDIX. 



the west side of the creek. He hved in a small hut biiilt of 
poles, in eomjjany with a " ven- dark sqnaw " whom lie bad 
induced to share his cot, until the next season or perhaps 
longer. On the organization of the siuveying parties by Mr. 
Ellicott he enlisted as an axman and assisted in running the 
range lines of this part of the Piirchase. He continued in this 
caj)acity during 1798-'99, and in all his intercourse with the 
party claimed to be a citizen of Chenango county. [tSee JVote.'} 
In 1800 he went west, Mr. Hawkins says as far as Sandusky, 
Ohio, but to other parties lie claimed to haye -sisited Cincin- 
nati and traveled largely in the northwest territory and along 
the Mississipj)i river. When he returned it is not definitely 
known — Mr. Hawkins says in 1801, but Sottle on one or two 
occasions at least placed it somewhat later. The statement 
that lot No. (51 of the \-illage plot was booked to bim on the 
field notes by th(! surveyors "on the spot '" is probably errone- 
ous, as it was owned up to 1835 by various parties, Sottle not 
pnrchasing it until that date. In 1800 lots 55 and 59 of 
Cattaraugus village were booked to him, and about this time 
he may be considered as becoming a settler, but not before. 
Some time after his return from the west he became acquainted 
in Buffalo with a negress and it is said mai-ried her. but 
those best acquainted witli the cii'cunistances doubt the 
statement with reference to the marriage, though they 
lived as man and wife to the time of her death. "Old Chloe," 
as she was called, although an excellent housekeeper, like 
Sottle was not above reproach in a moial sense, and the 
progeny were considered of a mixed parentage. Thus it seems 
that although Sottle may have come to this county as early as 
I79ii, or at any earlier ])eriod. such were the conditions of his 
surroundings that in no rational sense can he be considered as 
becoming a settler until about the time named — 1 806. From 
the discussion that has taken place, the conviction of the 
correctness of the })osition of Judge Foote has come to be 
settled in the }»ublic mind, and the board of supervisors of the 
county at their sessicm in October of the present year (1873). 
after having the matter brought to their official notice, and 
after reference and duo consideration, passed the following- 
resolution by ayes and nays, twenty-four oi the twentj^-six 
members voting in the affirmative, two being excused for 
sufficient reasons given : 

Whereas, There have been many co?iflicting views as to who 
was the first settler of Chautauqua county : therefore, 

jResolved. That we. the board of stqiervisors of Chautauqua 
county, are of the o])iriion that the early history and records 



APPENDIX. 



445 



of the county establish the fact that James McMahaii was the 
first resident settler of CliaiitaiKpia county. 

Altliough some may hold to au opposite A-iew, the question 
may be considered by this act of the board as officially settled. 
This action is placed on record. 

As Turner's History of the Holland Purchase is reterred to 
in the note on page 68, it is but just to say that the im}>ression 
then given that the authoi; of that work was mistaken in his 
statement, is incorrect, and was an (aior from the pencilings of 
tlie writer of this, unintentionally allowed to go to press. Mr 
Turner expret^.sly says on page 511 that James McMahan was 
the ^'pioneer settler of C-hautauqiia ;" and t^n pag-e 51:^ that 
Amos Sottle was the "first white resident of Chautauqua," thus 
verj' properly distinguishing between resident and settler. It 
will be seen that the note, the publication of which was the 
occasion of so full and free a discussion of the question, 
with the exception of the ])articulars named, is substantially 
correct. 



446 xoTKs. 



NOTES AND CORRECTIONS. 



A few errors have been detected in the course of the work that need correction, and 
s few others that the reader will readily correct without their being specially noticed : 

1. On page 20, for ' John C. Marshall " read Joliii E. Marahall. 

2. On page 31. for " Connell's Creek" read Covrdl'!! Creek. 

3. On page 31, bottom line, for • lot 60 " read lot 59. 

4. On page 34, line .ith from top. for '■ Tashagna " read Coshaqiia. 

it. On i^age 36, Une 14th from toji, for " Charles O. Warner " read Charles It, 

0. On i)age 47, line li)th from top, for " lot 42 "' read lot 41. 

7. On page 60, line loth from bottom, for " Genesee " read Genrseo. 

5. On i»age 68 the " Note " should be read in connection vriih the thii'd article of 
the Appendix. 

9. On xiage 60, line 11th from bottom, for ' at Jamestown " read /»!/)• mf'/t's- behn.- 
Jamestown. 

10. On page 75 for " Wm. Dogan " read Dm. Duggan. 

11. On page 75, line 3d from bottom, for "lot 3(' "' read lol 40; also on page 76, line 
■Jtli from top. 

12. On page 98, line 10th from bottom, for '■ Reuben J. Meigs, juu.," read ff'/w,/- 
•/. Meign, jxin. 

13. On page 129, line I2th from toji for ' part of house " le&A front of luins.<-. 

14. On page 129, the notice of " Silas Dinsmore '' should be read in connection with 
the first article of the Appendix. 

15. On page 210, line 8th from bottom, for •' ten acres " read three acre.)s. 

16. On page 221, for " T. S. Moss and Moss & Haight •' read .Wo,s.< rf Haight. 



^b 92 b* 



I 



